Head of Transformation

About the Role

We are partnering with a regional financial services group that has moved beyond experimentation with AI and is now restructuring its operations around this technology. The initial pilot projects have proven successful, highlighting that the challenge lies in leadership rather than technology. This position demands a leader capable of bridging the gap between executives, technical teams, and employees concerned about their jobs, gaining trust from all sides.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the overall group roadmap for AI transformation, determining which functions change, in what sequence, and the underlying reasons.
• Convert the board's strategic ambitions into properly funded and prioritized programmes supported by realistic business cases.
• Lead the redesign of roles as AI automates tasks, defining what employees will cease doing, commence doing, and the training required.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer on workforce transitions including reskilling plans, redeployment, and difficult decisions.
• Establish AI governance frameworks that comply with Monetary Authority of Singapore requirements while facilitating adoption.
• Drive change management ensuring managers effectively use AI tools, teams trust the transformation process, and adoption is measurable.
• Provide executive and board updates focused on business outcomes rather than technical model details.

Candidate Profile

• At least 10 years of leadership experience in transformation, operations, or technology, including delivering one or more AI or major digital transformations from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of current AI technologies such as large language models, intelligent agents, and automation platforms at a strategic decision-making level.
• Proven experience overcoming change resistance, driving adoption, and managing workforce transitions sensitively.
• Background in regulated sectors, preferably financial services.
• The ability to challenge senior leadership while empathetically supporting concerned teams.

Environment and Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangement based in Singapore, reporting directly to the Group COO.
• A substantive role with real budget authority and board backing, not merely a symbolic title.

Additional Information

We encourage candidates who may not meet every criterion to apply, as we value potential and will advocate accordingly. Applying includes consent to receive future communications about suitable job openings from the recruitment partner, with an option to unsubscribe at any time.