Business Transformation & Innovation Manager

KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) operates and maintains the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) on behalf of Transport for London, delivering a safe, reliable and customer-focused railway for millions of passengers every year.

As we enter an exciting new franchise period, we are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Business Transformation & Innovation Manager to help shape the future of the DLR. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change, drive innovation, oversee our AI and automation strategy, and influence how one of the UK’s most successful railways evolves over the coming years.

The Role

Reporting to the Commercial & Strategy Director, you will lead KAD’s transformation and innovation agenda, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic initiatives that improve operational performance, customer experience, safety and commercial outcomes.

You will take ownership of KAD’s Innovation Management Programme, manage the Business Innovation Fund, oversee AI and automation initiatives, and work closely with senior leaders, customers, suppliers and external partners to identify and implement innovative solutions across the organisation.

This role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and requires someone who can successfully influence stakeholders, manage change and turn ideas into measurable business benefits.

What You’ll Do

• Lead KAD’s business transformation and innovation strategy.
• Drive the successful implementation of strategic change initiatives across the franchise.
• Manage and develop KAD’s innovation portfolio and Business Innovation Fund.
• Identify, assess and deploy new technologies, automation opportunities and AI solutions.
• Lead KAD’s AI and Automation Roadmap, ensuring solutions align with operational, safety and commercial objectives.
• Develop business cases, investment proposals and commercialisation opportunities.
• Establish innovation working groups, stakeholder forums and collaboration partnerships.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners, academia and innovation networks.
• Ensure transformation programmes align with KAD’s SEED (Service Excellence Every Day) framework.
• Monitor performance, benefits realisation and return on investment across innovation initiatives.
• Produce reports and recommendations for senior leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Manage and develop the Business Transformation & Innovation Analyst.

Do you have experience in Report writing?, * Proven experience leading large-scale business transformation programmes within complex operational environments.

• Demonstrable experience developing and implementing innovation strategies.
• Strong change management and organisational development experience.
• Commercial and financial management expertise, including business case development, budgeting and investment appraisal.
• Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and influencing decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Experience delivering measurable business improvements through transformation initiatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Experience within transport, rail, infrastructure or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience managing innovation funding, grants or external investment opportunities.
• Knowledge of ISO44001 collaborative business relationships.
• Experience leading AI, automation or digital transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Platform or similar AI technologies.
• Engineering, Business, Strategy or related degree qualification., If you’re passionate about innovation, transformation, AI, and delivering meaningful organisational change, we’d love to hear from you.

Pulled from the full job description

• Free or subsidised travel
• Employee discount
• Company pension, * Free travel across the TfL network for you and a nominated family member.
• 75% discount on National Rail season tickets.
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Access to Perkbox rewards and discounts.
• Doctor Care Anywhere healthcare support.