Operational Change Manager

Operational Change Manager

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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: Hybrid work model, competitive rate, and potential for contract extension.
  • Other info: Opportunity to travel across Europe and work in diverse settings.
  • Why this job: Drive impactful digital transformation in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in Change Management with experience in manufacturing IT.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

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

Operational Change Manager employer: Absolute Applications

As an Operational Change Manager in London, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a hybrid working model, competitive rates, and opportunities for professional growth through exposure to multi-site IT transformations, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe's leading manufacturing hubs.
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Contact Detail:

Absolute Applications Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Change Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in manufacturing IT. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you an edge.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and challenges in operational change management. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Operational Change Manager. Highlight your successes in previous change management roles and how you can bring that expertise to their team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Change Manager

Change Management
Operational Excellence
Manufacturing IT Transformation
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Project Management (Agile, PMI, Prince2)
Training Development
Readiness Assessments
Resistance Mitigation
Multi-Country Rollout Experience
Technical Knowledge of Manufacturing Operations
Influencing Skills
Adaptability
Lean Six Sigma

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Change Manager. Highlight your experience in change management and IT transformation, especially in manufacturing settings. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing change and how you’ve tackled challenges in multi-site environments.

Showcase Your Soft Skills: We value strong communication and stakeholder management skills. In your application, give us examples of how you've influenced teams and driven change in complex settings. This will help us see your potential impact on our operations!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Applications

Know Your Change Management Strategies

Make sure you brush up on your change management strategies, especially those relevant to IT rollouts in manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks you've used, like PROSCI or Lean Six Sigma, and how they can be applied to the role.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing stakeholders across different levels and cultures. Think about times when you successfully influenced key players to adopt new processes or tools, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge

Familiarise yourself with the specific IT systems mentioned in the job description, such as MES or ERP. Being able to speak confidently about these technologies and their impact on manufacturing operations will set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of potential challenges in a multi-site rollout and how you would address resistance or ensure smooth adoption. This will show your proactive approach to change management.

Operational Change Manager
Absolute Applications
Location: London

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