Operational Change Manager

Operational Change Manager

Temporary 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead change management for IT systems rollout in manufacturing across Europe.
  • Company: Dynamic manufacturing and IT services company based in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and travel across Europe while driving meaningful change.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming manufacturing processes with innovative digital tools.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in Change Management, with experience in manufacturing IT transformation.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

  • Operational Change Manager
  • Hybrid role in London (2 to 3 days per week on site)
  • Starts ASAP until April 2026 (Extendable)
  • Rate Negotiable

Key Responsibilities

The Operational Change Manager will lead and execute change management activities for the rollout of IT systems across manufacturing plants in Europe, beginning with the UK.

The role focuses on preparing, equipping, and supporting plant teams to adopt new digital tools, applications, and processes introduced as part of the manufacturing IT transformation program.

This individual will work closely with program management, local site leadership, functional process owners, and IT deployment teams to ensure smooth adoption, minimal disruption to operations, and measurable business readiness.

  • Develop and implement a structured change management strategy tailored for multi‑site manufacturing IT rollouts.
  • Define change impact assessments, stakeholder analysis, and communication roadmaps for each site.
  • Partner with plant leadership, production managers, and site IT leads to ensure alignment between global strategy and local operations.
  • Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at corporate and site levels to ensure ownership of change outcomes.
  • Create and deliver targeted communication plans to ensure clear understanding of project goals, benefits, and timelines.
  • Oversee development and execution of end‑user training, including train‑the‑trainer programs.
  • Conduct readiness assessments and monitor site‑level adoption progress.
  • Identify resistance and develop mitigation plans to address adoption barriers.
  • Track post‑implementation performance to ensure successful transition to new systems.
  • Gather feedback from plant users and incorporate learnings into subsequent rollouts.
  • Support harmonization of operational practices across sites.
  • Required Skills & Experience
  • 10-15 years of experience in Change Management or Operational Excellence roles.
  • Minimum 5 years in manufacturing IT transformation or plant digitalization programs (MES, ERP, LIMS, IP.21, etc.).
  • Proven track record in multi‑country or multi‑plant rollout environments.
  • Technical/Functional Knowledge
  • Familiarity with manufacturing operations, shop floor systems, and industrial IT applications.
  • Experience working within structured project environments (Agile, PMI, or Prince2).
  • Soft Skills
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
  • Strong stakeholder management and ability to drive change in complex, cross‑cultural settings.
  • High adaptability and willingness to travel across Europe.

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or Business Management (Master’s preferred).
  • Certification in Change Management (e. g., PROSCI, ACMP) is an advantage.
  • A Lean Six Sigma or Operational Excellence background is a plus.
  • Seniority level
  • Associate
  • Employment type
  • Contract
  • Job function
  • Information Technology

Industries

  • Manufacturing and IT Services
  • IT Consulting
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Operational Change Manager employer: Absolute Applications

As an ERP Integration Lead, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our company offers a supportive culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring you can develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to employee well-being, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

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Contact Details:

Absolute Applications Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Change Manager

Tap into Consulting Networks

Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Absolute Applications. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!

Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!

Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards

Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Absolute Applications.

Leverage University and Alumni Resources

If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Absolute Applications.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Change Manager

Change Management
Operational Excellence
Manufacturing IT Transformation
Digitalization Programs
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.

Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Absolute Applications and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Applications

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Absolute Applications will want to see.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Absolute Applications.

Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Absolute Applications.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Absolute Applications. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.