Role Overview for Head of Digital Transformation with a Financial Services Firm – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking financial services firm in their search for a visionary Head of Digital Transformation. Located in the vibrant financial hub of Charlotte, NC, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to architect and execute the digital future of a well-established institution.
The financial services landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by technological innovation, evolving customer expectations, and new market entrants. Our client is committed to not just navigating this change, but leading it. They are seeking a transformative leader who can harness the power of technology, data, and human-centered design to redefine their business operations, product offerings, and customer engagement models.
As the Head of Digital Transformation, you will be the central figure in the organization’s evolution into a digitally-native powerhouse. You will report directly to the C-suite and be empowered to build and lead a dynamic, cross-functional team. Your mandate will be to create a comprehensive digital roadmap that aligns with the firm’s strategic objectives, enhances operational efficiency, mitigates risk, and delivers unparalleled value to clients.
This is not merely an IT leadership role; it is a strategic business role that requires a deep understanding of the financial services industry, a passion for innovation, and the executive presence to inspire change across all levels of the organization. You will be the champion for a culture of agility, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring the firm remains competitive and relevant for decades to come. Your work will directly impact the firm’s profitability, market position, and ability to attract and retain both clients and top talent in an increasingly digital world.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Digital Transformation with a Financial Services Firm – Charlotte, NC
Strategic Roadmap Development
Conceive, develop, and articulate a clear and compelling enterprise-wide digital transformation strategy and roadmap. This includes defining key initiatives, setting ambitious but achievable goals, establishing timelines, and securing executive buy-in and resource allocation.
Innovation and Technology Leadership
Act as the firm’s primary thought leader on emerging technologies and digital trends, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), blockchain, cloud computing, and advanced data analytics. Evaluate and champion the adoption of new technologies that create a competitive advantage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with executive leaders across all business units—including Operations, Marketing, Sales, Compliance, and Finance—to ensure the digital strategy is deeply integrated into every facet of the business. Foster a collaborative environment to break down silos and drive unified progress.
Customer Experience (CX) Enhancement
Place the customer at the center of all digital initiatives. Utilize data, analytics, and user research to reimagine and optimize the end-to-end customer journey across all digital touchpoints, from client onboarding to ongoing service and support.
Program and Portfolio Management
Oversee the execution of a complex portfolio of digital transformation projects. Implement robust governance frameworks, manage budgets and timelines, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure projects deliver their intended business value on time and within scope.
Data-Driven Culture
Champion the use of data and analytics as a strategic asset. Lead the development of a modern data architecture and business intelligence capabilities to provide actionable insights that inform strategic decisions and personalize the client experience.
Change Management and Cultural Transformation
Drive the organizational change required to embed a digital-first mindset throughout the company. Develop and implement communication plans, training programs, and performance metrics to foster adoption and proficiency with new tools and processes.
Vendor and Partner Management
Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external technology vendors, FinTech startups, and strategic partners to accelerate innovation and leverage best-in-class solutions.
Regulatory and Security Compliance
Ensure that all digital initiatives and technology implementations adhere to the highest standards of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance within the financial services industry.
Requirements for the Head of Digital Transformation with a Financial Services Firm – Charlotte, NC
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven history of successfully driving large-scale digital change within complex, regulated environments. You possess a unique blend of strategic vision, technical acumen, business savvy, and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role focused on digital strategy, technology innovation, or business transformation.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within the financial services sector (e.g., banking, wealth management, asset management, insurance) is essential. You must have a strong understanding of financial products, market dynamics, and the industry’s unique regulatory landscape.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading and delivering complex, enterprise-wide digital transformation programs from conception to completion, with measurable business impact and ROI.
Technical Fluency
Comprehensive knowledge of modern technology stacks and architectural principles, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), API-driven ecosystems, data analytics, AI/ML applications, and cybersecurity best practices. While not a hands-on developer role, you must be able to command the respect of technical teams.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and people management skills. Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams. Experience managing both direct reports and influencing in a matrixed organization.
Strategic and Commercial Acumen
Strong ability to think strategically, connect digital initiatives to core business objectives, and build compelling business cases. Experience with financial modeling, budgeting, and P&L management is critical for rethinking strategy for the era of AI.
Communication and Influence
Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a complex vision and technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from the Board of Directors to junior engineers, is paramount.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is dedicated to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. They believe in investing in their employees’ well-being, growth, and financial security.
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and long-term incentive/equity opportunities.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a generous health savings account (HSA) with company contributions.
Retirement Planning
A best-in-class 401(k) plan with a substantial company match to help you secure your financial future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, executive coaching, and tuition reimbursement for further education.
Modern Work Environment
A state-of-the-art office in Charlotte, NC, with a flexible/hybrid work model that respects your need for both in-person collaboration and focused remote work.
Additional Perks
Includes paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, and employee discount programs.
How to Apply
This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and passion to drive the digital future of a leading financial services firm, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and strategic vision. JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.
To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit JRG Partners’ Financial Technology practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a lasting impact with our client.
