SRH Campus Haarlem
Our Programs

Become a Skilled Digital Transformation Manager with these 4 competences

Learn the skills to be become a great digital transformation manager. We have included below the 4 most important skills to build a great foundation on, as well as some further learning material!

student SRH Haarlem University of Applied Science

The demand for a skilled digital transformation manager

With the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI), the tech industry has grown faster than ever before. It is important to understand what it takes to be make it in such an industry. So, in this blog, we will discuss the skills every digital transformation manager needs to succeed. If you have a moment, it is worth checking out our robust Digital Transformation Management programme designed to develop the critical skills to guarantee successful career in this role. 

We have also added a bonus to each point so that you can start learning and practicing these skills already, let's dive in! 

1. Strategic Thinking and Vision

A proficient digital transformation manager must develop a visionary approach that aligns digital initiatives with the organization's long-term goals. This role requires:

  • Strategic Planning: Integrating digital strategies with business objectives effectively. 
  • Innovation Leadership: Encouraging teams to innovate and think outside the box.

An example of this skill in the real world is Netflix's evolution from DVD rentals to streaming, which underlines the visionary strategies a digital transformation manager might initiate. 

At SRH Haarlem, business strategy and management courses prepare students to align technology with strategic goals, crafting the mindset of a forward-thinking professional.

If you would like to discover more, we would highly recommend you watch these two videos: 

  1. How to think more strategically
  2. What is an idea: introduction to lateral thinking

2. Technological Proficiency

To lead in digital transformation, understanding cutting-edge technology is imperative for any digital transformation manager. This includes:

  • Emerging Technologies: Proficiency in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
  • Practical Application: The capability to deploy these technologies effectively.

Just take a look at Amazon, for example. They use AI and machine learning to predict what products customers might want and ensure these are well-stocked, optimising delivery speeds. This technology also personalises recommendations based on shopping history, improving customer satisfaction by making finding and discovering products easier.

Amazon uses AI and machine learning to optimize its supply chain and personalize customer recommendations, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

At SRH Haarlem Campus, hands-on informatics, data science, and AI courses ensure our students have the latest technological skills essential for this trade. 

Look at this video if you are more curious about staying on top of new technologies.

  1. Top 10 Technologies To Learn In 2024

This channel has plenty of other great resources to learn from; enjoy! 

digital transformation manager

3. Change Management and Communication

A digital transformation manager is key to managing change and communicating effectively. Essential skills include:

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively communicating the value of digital projects.
  • Change Facilitation: Leading teams through digital transitions with minimal resistance.

A great example of this is Microsoft's transformation under Satya Nadella. Focusing on a culture of innovation and openness, the company successfully engaged employees and stakeholders in its new vision. 

At SRH Haarlem, we emphasise leadership and communication, preparing students to excel in dynamic environments.

Change management is one of the biggest challenges you will face when overseeing transformations, so here is a starting point for you to build this skill. 

  1. Change management basics

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

Leveraging data to make informed decisions is crucial for a digital transformation manager. This includes:

  • Data Analytics: Using insights to drive decisions and identify opportunities.
  • Performance Measurement: Evaluating the impact of digital strategies through KPIs.

At SRH Haarlem, our students learn to utilize data analytics effectively, a key competency for any digital transformation manager.

A basic example is how Starbucks' data-driven strategies have improved customer engagement, an approach a digital transformation manager can learn from.

Here is a video from Google and one of their courses, giving an Introduction to Data-Drive Decision Making

Conclusion

As digital transformation continues to dominate strategic imperatives in businesses, the role of a digital transformation manager becomes increasingly significant. SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences and its Digital Transformation Management programme prepares you to excel as a digital transformation manager, driving innovation and strategic growth. Ready to lead digital innovation? 

Explore our Digital Transformation Management programme at SRH Haarlem Campus and start your journey as a successful digital transformation manager today.