Role description
The Architecture + Urbanism Digital & AI Transformation Director is accountable for rewiring how Architecture + Urbanism delivers value to clients by embedding digital, data, and AI capabilities into core delivery workflows, decision making, and operating rhythms. This role is about changing how work gets done to make better decisions, reduce risk, improve quality and outcomes, and scale what works across Architecture + Urbanism.
Role accountabilities
* Create an Architecture + Urbanism-specific digital & AI strategy in the context of our 3‑yr‑out vision and the strategic priorities of Industries & Sectors.
* Define and regularly update “digital must‑win” areas by conducting competitor analyses and gap analysis within existing portfolio of tools and digital products and partnerships.
* Identify which Architecture + Urbanism delivery domains and workflows must be redesigned.
* Set up collaboration rhythm with Digital Intelligence, Investment governance, pipeline management approach and prioritization framework, change network, CoPs, etc.
* Set clear objectives for the transformation that link to overall Architecture + Urbanism performance metrics.
Own the Opportunity Portfolio
* Collect and pro‑actively source digital opportunities and use cases within the organization, in close collaboration with peers in other Service Lines and Industries.
* Kick‑start and actively participate in AI studios around the most promising opportunities, to quickly validate and potentially prototype, ideally in real client settings.
* Work closely together with Digital Intelligence counterparts to make buy/build/partner decisions, as well as start/continue/stop decisions, following pre‑set guidelines.
* Actively stop or kill initiatives that do not demonstrate clear value, adoption potential, or strategic fit.
* Participate regularly in client conversations to better understand client needs.
* Act as primary interface and product sponsor to product managers, e.g., help get funding, set requirements, mobilise business SME involvement, anything needed to deliver at pace.
Rewire Service Delivery workflows
* Redesign end‑to‑end Architecture + Urbanism delivery workflows to embed digital and AI where they materially improve outcomes.
* Work with Service Line leadership to support adjustments to new ways of working.
Embed Digital & AI in our capabilities and drive adoption
* Build a local network of digital & AI champions (change agents and catalysts) within each Service Area Group.
* Strengthen foundational digital skills and AI usage within the organization.
* Set up adoption campaigns around new tooling / digital products, and ways of working, including training programs and updated global procedures.
Strengthen data foundations and other boundary conditions
* Turn global data strategy into an actionable plan within the service line, with clear focus around the priority areas (digital must‑winners).
* Create knowledge and data libraries around discipline areas, managed within Communities of Practice.
* Set up data governance and measure adherence and progress.
* Define any other prerequisites for digital innovation and bake into transformation plan.
* Own the Architecture + Urbanism Digital and AI innovation backlog and roadmap, in partnership with Digital Intelligence, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities and measurable value delivery.
* Drive investment prioritisation and portfolio transparency within the Innovation governance framework, enabling clear decision‑making and optimal allocation of resources.
* Champion digital adoption across the Architecture + Urbanism workforce and project delivery, working closely with Services leadership to embed tools, behaviours, and ways of working that maximise impact.
Qualifications & Experience
* Extensive leadership experience building and scaling global digital, AI, automation or technology‑enabled capabilities within the AEC or related professional services industry.
* Experience embedding responsible AI principles, including governance, transparency, human oversight, risk mitigation and regulatory alignment into enterprise AI adoption and operational practices.
* Proven strategic leadership in defining and executing a global Digital & AI capability vision aligned to business goals, enterprise priorities and long‑term transformation objectives.
* Deep expertise in digital, AI, automation and emerging technologies, with a strong understanding of how these can be applied to improve delivery models, business performance and client outcomes within complex organizational environments.
* Demonstrated experience driving organisational change and broad adoption of new digital and AI capabilities, tools and ways of working across global and local teams.
* Strong track record of identifying, sponsoring and scaling successful innovations, pilots and proof‑of‑concept initiatives into practical, repeatable and value‑adding business capabilities.
* Proven ability to influence and align senior stakeholders across global, regional and local teams.
* Strong understanding of scalable delivery models, process optimisation and operational excellence.
* Governance and risk management experience, including data privacy, AI ethics, information security and relevant compliance requirements.
* Demonstrated talent and capability development experience, including building learning programmes, enabling skills development and fostering communities of practice.
* Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
* Demonstrated strategic judgment and execution discipline.
* Leadership style that empowers Arcadians, promotes accountability, continuous improvement, and supports an inclusive culture.
* Degree level education in a relevant technical or commercial discipline such as digital technology, data science, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
* Advanced degree preferred such as an MBA or a relevant Master’s in artificial intelligence, data science, digital transformation, technology management, engineering, business or a related field, or equivalent executive level experience.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day, which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people.
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