Digital transformation is a rapidly growing field, as more and more businesses realize the importance of adapting to digital technologies.
One of the main challenges companies face, however, is finding skilled employees to meet the growing need for digital talent. In many ways, talent is even more critical to a successful digital transformation than technology.
As a result, the demand for these roles has surged in recent years.
In fact, a recent study by McKinsey found that by 2030, as many as 375 million workers may need to switch occupational categories as digitization, automation, and artificial intelligence increasingly reshape the global workforce.
If you’re looking to build your career in this field or seeking qualified digital talent to lead or support digital transformation initiatives for your organization, the digital transformation job titles in this article are for you.
Below, we’ve listed several job titles and sample job description language for key roles in the digital transformation field.
*Note: Sample job descriptions below are from real companies and for illustrative purposes only.
Key Digital Transformation Job Titles and Descriptions
Here are some of the most in-demand digital transformation job titles based on our research.
Digital Transformation Manager
The digital transformation manager is responsible for leading and coordinating digital transformation initiatives within an organization.
They work closely with executive leadership to develop strategies and set priorities. They also work with cross-functional teams to implement initiatives and track progress.
The job responsibilities for a digital transformation manager vary. It may include developing roadmaps, managing budgets, vendor relations, communication plans, and stakeholder alignment.
Additionally, digital transformation managers may be responsible for digital change management, organizational design, and business process improvement.
For example, this job description for a Digital Transformation Manager at Chef Works, a culinary uniform supplier, illustrates key responsibilities: for this role:
- Develop and drive the company’s overall digital transformation strategy and roadmap
- Review existing internal business processes and identify areas of improvement
- Assist with the development of new fit-for-purpose digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and improve service level
- Champion the digital transformation tools and conduct training to relevant departments within the organization
Digital Transformation Architect
A digital transformation architect is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a company’s digital transformation initiatives.
They work with an integrative approach in all parts of the organization to ensure that the transition to digital technologies is smooth and successful.
Job responsibilities may include developing architectural plans, leading technical teams, overseeing implementation, and measuring success.
A digital transformation architect needs to have significant experience, subject matter expertise and a deep understanding of both business and technology.
This job is similar to the role of a manager, but the role (sometimes referred to as a solutions architect) focuses more on a particular technical aspect of digital transformation, such as data management, building and managing agile workflows and low-code or no-code digital platforms, and cybersecurity.
For example, this job description for a Digital Transformation Architect at CGI, an IT and business services consulting firm, demonstrates the deep level of business and technical expertise required for this role:
“As a Digital Transformation Solution Architect, you will work directly with Clients from across our portfolio in New England formulating all aspects of solution approaches and development. You will be accountable for and apply validated expertise of application modernization, cloud architecture, intelligent automation and innovation thereby contributing to a high level of Client satisfaction.”
Digital Transformation Specialist
Digital transformation specialists work to help organizations use digital technologies to achieve their business goals. They work with all levels of an organization, from senior leaders to front-line employees.
Job responsibilities may include creating and executing digital transformation strategies, developing change management plans, identifying new technologies and trends, and measuring the impact of digital initiatives.
Unlike a digital transformation manager, the specialist role is usually more focused on the everyday technical aspects of digital transformation.
However, a DX specialist still needs to possess a range of soft skills (i.e. excellent communication, leadership, project management, and more) that demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional role.
For example, this section of a job post seeking a Digital Transformation Specialist at Unum, a global provider of financial protection benefits, demonstrates the blend of both hard and soft skills that this position requires:
“This is a critical role that will work with business partners to help migrate the CLI from IBM Cognos to Tableau as the primary business intelligence tool with a React/JS frontend. The Digital Transformation Specialist will play an important role in the project’s change management by communicating with the business, internal/external clients, and third-party vendors. “
Digital Transformation Analyst
A digital transformation analyst helps organizations use data to drive their digital transformation efforts and report on KPI metrics to demonstrate business value to stakeholders. Their main objective is to collect, analyze, and report on data. They also develop dashboards and other tools to help visualize data and trends.
Job responsibilities may include conducting data analysis, developing reports and presentations, identifying trends and insights, and providing recommendations. A digital transformation analyst needs to have strong analytical skills and be able to communicate complex data concepts to members of their team and management.
Unlike a digital transformation specialist, this job title requires more of a focus on the data and analytics side of digital transformation.
For example, this job description for a digital transformation analyst at Deloitte, a major professional consulting firm, outlines key responsibilities and skills for the role:
“As a digital transformation analyst at Deloitte, you will help our clients navigate the digital landscape by providing analysis and insights that will help them make better decisions about their digital transformation journey. This will include conducting data analysis, developing reports and presentations, identifying trends and insights, and providing recommendations. To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong analytical skills and be able to communicate complex data concepts.”
Digital Transformation Consultant
The role of Digital Transformation Consultant has become popular recently as more organizations seek outside help to guide their digital transformation efforts.
Digital transformation consultants work with organizations to assess their needs, develop digital transformation strategies, and implement change.
Job responsibilities may include conducting digital audits, developing digital transformation roadmaps, leading workshops and training sessions, and overseeing digital transformation projects.
Digital transformation consultants need to have a deep understanding of digital transformation, as well as strong project management and change management skills.
This entry-level job posting example from NTT Data Services, a global IT consultancy, highlights the main focus of these roles:
“As a Digital Transformation Consultant, you will work as a critical part of an interdisciplinary team, helping clients develop and implement digital strategies to transform their business, strengthen their competitive position, and solve their most pressing problems.”
Many consulting companies expect senior candidates to also have specific technical digital skills, depending on the type and scope of client projects, including experience in one or more of the following:
- Software Engineering
- IT project management
- Agile methodologies
- Data engineering, science or analysis
- Digital marketing
- UX/UI design
- Cloud strategy
- Change management
- DevOps.. and more
Finally, consultant roles are often market-specific.
For instance, certain consultancies are focused on developing and implementing digital transformation initiatives for specific industries, such as tax, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, finance and banking, supply chain, insurance, and more.
Having industry experience in one of these fields, along with a technical skill set or degree, is a great way to enter the DX consulting space.
Digital Transformation Lead
You might be wondering how or why the “Lead” position is any different than a manager role for digital transformation.
While the general responsibilities are similar, we’ve found that the digital transformation lead job titles are often focused on specific product or program management responsibilities.
For example, some lead roles specifically to overseeing product strategy for a specific market.
In this case, the lead role requires skills that are common among many digital transformation job titles, such as organizational change management, technical expertise, leadership and stakeholder engagement, but with more emphasis on business case and market analysis, budget management, product development and deployment.
In general, Digital transformation leads still need to have strong project management skills, as well as experience leading digital teams and initiatives. They should also be able to understand and communicate the technical aspects of digital transformation.
For example, this job posting from Microsoft for a digital transformation lead role outlines some key responsibilities and skills for the position:
“As the digital transformation lead, you will be responsible for driving digital transformation across Microsoft’s field organization. You will work with field leaders to assess digital readiness, develop digital transformation plans, and implement digital change. This role requires deep technical knowledge of digital transformation concepts and technologies, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with and influence senior leaders.”
Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
The role of the chief digital officer is, of course, a higher-level, C-suite role. A CDO executive develops and executes a company’s digital approach. They strive to ensure that all parts of the business are using digital technologies to the highest level.
The CDO is also in charge of propelling the company’s digital transformation while also ensuring that it remains competitive in today’s digital economy.
The job responsibilities for this position include developing a digital vision and strategy, setting priorities, allocating resources, and measuring progress. The CDO also needs to have a deep understanding of technology trends and be able to manage change within the organization.
Looking more closely, a CDO must also have excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills in order to be successful.
For example, this job description for a CDO at Autodesk, a software company that specializes in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment applications, outlines several key responsibilities and skills for the role:
“The chief digital officer (CDO) is responsible for developing and executing Autodesk’s digital vision and strategy. The CDO will work with the executive leadership team to set priorities, allocate resources, and measure progress against digital transformation objectives. The CDO must have a deep understanding of technology trends and how they can be applied to business problems. In addition, the CDO must be able to lead and manage change within the organization. Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills are essential.”
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Another C-level role, the CIO is a high-level technical position that oversees all aspects of an organization’s information technology (IT) strategy and operations. It’s not limited to digital transformation, although that’s becoming a critical part of the job at larger corporations.
The job responsibilities for this position include anything from developing and implementing IT plans, to managing budgets and resources and ensuring that systems are secure and reliable, along with overseeing compliance with laws and regulations.
The CIO also needs to have a deep understanding of technology trends and how they can be applied to business problems at the company.
Compared to a Chief Digital Officer, described above, which is a somewhat newer job title, the CIO position usually encompasses other aspects of finance and IT in addition to forward-thinking digital objectives.
Many public companies hire CIOs to help with digital transformation initiatives. For example, this job description for a CIO at Vodafone, a global telecommunications company, outlines several key responsibilities for the role:
“The CIO will be responsible for developing and implementing the IT strategy for Vodafone. This will include working with the executive leadership team to set priorities, allocate resources, and measure progress against digital transformation objectives. The CIO must have a deep understanding of technology trends and how they can be applied to business problems. In addition, the CIO must be able to lead and manage change within the organization. Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills are essential.”
Other Job Roles Related to Digital Transformation
The above roles each have a direct impact on digital transformation initiatives within an organization.
But there are many other digital transformation job titles that don’t necessarily fall under the C-suite umbrella or designated DX departments, but are still important for overall business objectives.
If you’re looking to build a career in this field, these positions are a great way to gain experience and have a direct impact on DX initiatives as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Here are a few more roles to be aware of, along with brief descriptions of each:
Digital Trainers
Technological change is a challenge for most organizations. To adapt to these changes, many businesses employ technology trainers who are responsible for delivering training and support to staff as they move into new digital technologies.
In addition, they work to ensure that employees have the skills and knowledge they need to use new technologies.
Job responsibilities may include developing training materials, conducting training sessions, answering questions, and providing technical support. They also need to be patient and understand the challenges people face when learning new things.
Writers and Content Strategists
Storytellers help navigate the customer experience at every level. From sharing value to helping address pain points or even writing scripts for chatbots, quality writing is the cornerstone of marketing and selling.
In the context of digital transformation, a content strategist is responsible for developing and managing digital content to support organizational goals.
Their job responsibilities may include conducting research, writing and editing content, overseeing a team of writers, coordinating with other departments, and measuring the performance of digital content.
It’s a creative role that requires excellent writing skills, as well as the ability to think strategically about how digital content can be used to achieve business goals.
Developers
Developers build and maintain the software that makes digital transformation possible. In addition, they work with other team members to ensure that the software meets the organization’s needs.
Job responsibilities may include coding, debugging, and testing software. Developers must have a thorough grasp of computing science fundamentals. They also must be able to communicate with non-technical team members fluently.
Project Managers
Digital transformation project managers oversee and manage digital transformation projects. To do so, they work with company leadership to create strategies and establish priorities. They work with multidisciplinary teams to put initiatives into action and track outcomes.
The job responsibilities for this position vary. It may include developing roadmaps, managing budgets, vendor relations, and resource allocation. A project manager must have excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
Digital Marketing Strategist
A digital strategist usually develops and executes an organization’s digital marketing strategy. They work with other team members to ensure that the digital marketing plan aligns with the overall business strategy.
Job responsibilities may include conducting market research, developing marketing plans, managing campaigns, and analyzing data.
A digital strategist needs to have strong analytical skills and be able to communicate with other team members.
They also need to have a deep understanding of the latest digital marketing trends.
UX Designers
UX designers create user-friendly designs for digital products and services. Its mission is to ensure that users have a positive experience when using an organization’s digital products.
Job responsibilities may include conducting user research, developing wireframes, creating prototypes, and designing user interfaces. Visualization abilities and engaging with both technical and non-technical staff are essential for UX designers.
UX and UI design is a critical component of many digital transformation initiatives, as it can help to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Agile Team Leader
Agile team leaders are responsible for guiding digital transformation projects using an agile methodology. They work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Job responsibilities may include developing project plans, setting milestones, assigning tasks, and tracking progress.
An agile team leader must have excellent communication and organizational skills. They should also be familiar with the agile methodology and its principles.
Business Analyst
A business analyst is responsible for identifying business opportunities and developing solutions to business problems.
In the context of digital transformation, a business analyst may be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, and developing strategies to improve the digital maturity of an organization.
Graphic Designers
Graphic designers play a vital role in the digital transformation process. They are responsible for creating visually appealing designs that help organizations stand out in the digital world.
Job responsibilities may include developing graphic standards, designing web pages, creating logos, and producing marketing materials. In addition, graphic designers must make visual representations.
Data Analysts
Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze data. Then, they use this data to help organizations make better decisions about their digital transformation efforts.
Job responsibilities may include conducting data analysis, developing reports, and presenting findings.
Sales and Business Development
Sales and business development professionals play a vital role in digital transformation. They are responsible for generating revenue for the organization by selling digital products and services.
Job responsibilities may include prospecting, lead generation, account management, and closing deals.
Sales and marketing individuals must have excellent negotiation skills and the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical team members. They should also be up on the newest digital marketing trends.
Conversational brand strategist
A conversational brand strategist helps organizations create and implement chatbots as part of their digital marketing strategy. The goal is to help businesses automate customer interactions and improve the overall customer experience.
Job responsibilities may include developing chatbot scripts, managing customer conversations, and analyzing data. A conversational brand strategist must be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to engage customers.
Change Manager
The change manager leads and coordinates an organization’s change management. In addition, they work closely with other team members to ensure that the change management plan aligns with the overall business strategy.
Job responsibilities may include conducting change impact analyses, developing change management plans, leading change management teams, and implementing change.
Managers who deal with multiple projects must have excellent project management skills and be able to interact with both technical and non-technical staff.
Human Resources Manager
The human resources manager is in command of the company’s HR activities.
Job responsibilities may include conducting job analysis, developing job descriptions, and managing employee records. Strong communication and people skills are required for human resource managers. They must also be well-versed in the most recent labor regulations.
Information Technology Manager
An information technology manager is responsible for the company’s IT infrastructure.
Job responsibilities may include managing the network, server, and database administration.
They should also have a good understanding of information security. Strong technical skills and the ability to work well with others are essential for this role.
Product Manager
The product manager oversees the development of an organization’s products. In addition, they coordinate with other team workers to ensure that the product meets the customer’s demands.
Job responsibilities may include conducting market research, developing product plans, and managing product launches. Communication and cooperation with other team members are critical for project managers. They must also be up to date on contemporary digital marketing trends.
Ethics compliance manager
Ethics compliance ensures that an organization adheres to ethical standards. In addition, they work closely with other team members to ensure that the ethical compliance plan aligns with the overall business strategy.
Job responsibilities may include conducting ethical audits, developing ethical compliance plans, leading ethical compliance teams, and implementing change.
Ethics compliance managers need to have analytical skills and communicate with both technical and non-technical team members efficiently.
FAQs about Jobs in Digital Transformation
What educational background do I need to pursue a career in digital transformation?
The type and extent of your education and training depends largely on the role, types of projects, and technical requirements of the projects.
For example, digital marketing roles may require a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing or a related field, while more technical roles such as data analyst may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
If you’re seeking a higher-level role (i.e. Head of Digital Transformation, CDO, CIO), you will need significant direct experience along with an advanced business degree (i.e. MBA).
What are some digital transformation skills I need to succeed in this field?
Some digital transformation skills that will help you succeed in this field include: project management, change management, DevOps, software development, Agile methodology, cloud strategy, digital marketing, data analysis, and web development.
Where can I find digital transformation jobs?
There are many digital transformation job openings across a variety of industries. You can search for digital transformation opportunities on job boards such as Indeed or Linkedin. Another interesting place to find DX jobs at startups is Builtin.
You can also check with your local university, chamber of commerce or economic development office for digital transformation job postings in your area.
How do I know if digital transformation is the right career move for me?
First, do your research and learn more about this field. A great way to start is with a certificate program or online course (check Udemy, LinkedIn and others).
Also, you can start by answering the following questions to clarify if this career path is a good fit:
- Do you enjoy both the technical and non-technical (i.e. business) aspects of a project?
- Do you like to build teams and communicate and collaborate with others with different skillsets?
- Do you have a background in IT, computer science, engineering, statistics, data analytics, mathematics, or a related field?
- Important: Can you break down technical concepts and explain the business value to key stakeholders, including managers and executives?
- Are you interested in how cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, IoT, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data, different “as-a-service” models, 3D printing, and automation, are transforming traditional industries?
If these questions resonate with you, and you answered yes to a majority (or all) of them, a job in digital transformation with a private company or public organization could be a very exciting career path to pursue.
Conclusion: Which Digital Transformation Job Title is the Right Fit?
As you can see, digital transformation roles all have one thing in common: a blend of hard (aka technical) skills with soft (aka business) skills. Striking that balance, and being able to communicate the benefits and business value of technology to stakeholders, is the key to success in this field.
On that basis, there are tons of opportunities for talented digital professionals to lead teams and contribute to innovative strategies with companies of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re looking to build your career or hire digital talent for your company’s transformation efforts, we hope this list helps you get started.
