In a nutshell   

 

Sainsbury’s Tech is transforming how we operate as a modern, product-centred, data-driven technology organisation. The Head of Tech Operating Model Transformation plays a pivotal role in shaping, embedding and maturing the operating model that enables our technology, product, engineering and delivery teams to work brilliantly together.  
  

This role leads the design and continuous improvement of how we plan, prioritise, deliver and measure value across Sainsbury’s Tech. You will work across the Chief Technology Office to define clear, consistent and simple ways of working that help teams focus on outcomes, accelerate decision making and support our Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy.  
  

Accountable for bringing clarity, structure and coherence to our operating model, you will lead the transformation roadmap, embed consistent practices, and create the frameworks that help colleagues understand how we run Tech — from planning rhythms to team design, capability expectations and governance.  
  

A strategic, influential and highly collaborative leader, you will coach teams, simplify complexity, and make it easier for colleagues to deliver brilliant work.  

  

  

What you need to do   

  
Operating Model Design & Transformation  

Lead the definition, evolution and embedding of the Sainsbury’s Tech operating model - spanning planning, delivery, governance, and team structures.  

Translate strategic ambitions into clear, practical and repeatable ways of working that enable pace, alignment and measurable value.  

Partner with leaders across technology and spanning all disciplines, product, engineering, delivery and more, to refine end-to-end operating practices and ensure they are understood and adopted consistently.  

  

  

Strategy, Planning & Value Frameworks  

Define and maintain enterprise-level frameworks for how we prioritise, plan and measure value across Tech (e.g. planning cycles, prioritisation models, OKRs/outcomes, investment alignment).  

Ensure our operating model supports strategy delivery and connects daily work to business outcomes.  

Work with other divisions in Sainsbury’s like our central transformation team, CDO and more, to ensure our operating model is supported by clear metrics, reporting and transparency across teams.  
  

Simplification & Continuous Improvement  

Identify opportunities to simplify processes, eliminate duplication and streamline governance.  

Drive adoption of “just enough” governance, enabling faster decision making while managing risk effectively.  

Support alignment between divisional ways of working (Tech, Digital, Retail, Operations) to reduce friction and increase cross-functional clarity.  
  

Capability, Culture & Leadership Enablement  

Coach leaders and teams on adopting new ways of working, building confidence and capability across the organisation.  

Role model the behaviours, mindsets and practices needed for a modern, product centric tech organisation.  

Lead a small team of transformation specialists, uplifting capability and supporting their growth.  

Build understanding of organisational design principles, role clarity, skills frameworks and team health across Tech.  
  

Stakeholder Leadership & Communication  

Provide clear, compelling communication of operating model changes, ensuring colleagues understand the “what, why and how.”  

Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders including the CTO on operating model impact, risks and opportunities.  

Represent the operating model in senior forums, ensuring visibility, alignment and focus.  

  

What you need to know and show  
  

Essential  

Deep experience in operating model design, technology strategy, transformation or largescale organisational change - ideally within technology/product led organisations.  

Strong understanding of modern product, engineering and delivery practices (agile, lean, DevOps, product-centred planning, value-based prioritisation).  

Experience designing or embedding frameworks for planning, prioritisation, governance or organisational design.  

Ability to analyse complex systems and synthesise information into simple, clear recommendations.  

Strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence senior leaders across diverse disciplines.  

  

Desirable  

Retail, consumer facing or multi-brand organisation experience.  

Background in management consulting, strategy or transformation roles.  

Relevant certifications (Agile, Lean, OD, Product Operations, Portfolio Management).  

  

What I need to show  

Ability to lead enterprise level change with clarity, confidence and pace.  

Strong collaboration across Product, Engineering, Delivery, Data and business teams.  

Comfort with ambiguity, acting as a stabilising force in times of change.  

Outstanding storytelling - able to communicate complex concepts simply and bring people with you.  

High emotional intelligence, active listening and strong judgement.  

A mindset focused on outcomes, simplification and continuous improvement.  

  

  

What decisions I can make including budget  

  

Operating model design choices and recommendations for how Tech should run.   

Frameworks, tooling and processes for planning, prioritisation and governance.   

Ways of working across the transformation scope, including adoption principles and standards.   

Priorities and activities of the Op Model Transformation team.   

Recommendations for capability uplift, role clarity and structural changes (nonbudgetary).  

  

  

Directly or indirectly manages  

Directly manages 2 C5 Portfolio Managers