At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change projects, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption.
- Company: Join Gatehouse Bank, a fast-growing Shariah-compliant challenger bank focused on ethical finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the financial sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in change management, financial services, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Gatehouse Bank, we’re growing fast. We’re a Shariah-compliant challenger bank with a clear purpose: to offer ethical, transparent financial products that make a real difference to our customers. As we scale up, we need brilliant people to help us manage change in a way that’s smart, structured, and ready for anything.
We’re looking for a Change & Operational Readiness Manager to join our growing Operations team. You’ll be the bridge between strategic change and day-to-day business readiness making sure we land change well, with minimal disruption and maximum impact.
Please note - the position is office based with a Hybrid Working policy with flexibility to work from home up to 3 days a week.
Key responsibilitiesYou’ll work closely with teams across the Bank - Operations, Technology, Transformation, and more - to make sure change isn’t just delivered, but delivered well. Your job is to get under the skin of what’s changing, understand the risks and opportunities, and make sure we’re fully prepared. Some of the things you’ll be doing:
- Leading the operational response to change projects, making sure we’re ready for go-live and beyond.
- Designing clear, practical Operational Readiness Plans that help teams adapt quickly and confidently.
- Shaping change demand from the business and aligning it to wider strategic priorities.
- Supporting end-to-end delivery from early planning and workshops through to testing and benefit tracking.
- Getting stuck into UAT - defining, coordinating, and making sure results are acted on.
- Acting as a hands-on lead for smaller changes that don’t need tech development.
- You’ll play Business Analyst, SME, and Project Manager all at once.
- Creating useful, insightful reporting that gives leaders a clear picture of what’s changing across Home Finance Operations.
- Collaborating with the Head of Operational Change across the broader change portfolio.
You don’t need to have done this exact role before, but you should be confident operating in change-heavy, regulated environments. You’re someone who sees things through, spots what others might miss, and communicates clearly under pressure. Here’s what helps:
- Experience in financial services - especially in mortgages, operations, or regulated change.
- A solid understanding of operational areas like Customer Service, Collections, or Underwriting.
- Strong change management experience, you know what makes a project succeed or fail.
- Comfortable with UAT planning, benefit realisation, and the business side of delivery.
- Able to build strong relationships, influence people at all levels, and challenge where needed.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Confident with technology and comfortable working across multiple priorities.
Founded in 2007, Gatehouse Bank is one of the UK’s fastest-growing Islamic banks, with offices in London, Milton Keynes, Birmingham and Wilmslow. We offer savings products and real estate finance for individuals and businesses, and we do things differently: our ethical, Shariah compliant model is built around fairness, transparency, and shared risk. We call it balanced banking.
Additional DetailsWe offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes:
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) – increasing with service
- Private medical insurance and dental cover
- Life assurance and income protection
- Pension scheme
- Employee referral bonus
- A collaborative, down-to-earth working culture
Gatehouse Bank is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
Please be advised that we have an appointed recruitment partner, The Curve Group, to manage our recruitment process and give candidates the best possible experience in pursuing a career with Gatehouse Bank. The personal details you have shared with us may be processed by The Curve Group on behalf of Gatehouse Bank. Full details of their Privacy Policy can be viewed here.
Change and Operational Readiness Manager employer: Gatehouse Bank plc
Contact Detail:
Gatehouse Bank plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Change and Operational Readiness Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific change management methodologies used in financial services. Understanding frameworks like ADKAR or Kotter's 8-Step Process can give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your commitment to effective change management.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience in operational readiness. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your UAT (User Acceptance Testing) skills. Being able to articulate your understanding of UAT processes and how they contribute to successful project delivery will be crucial in interviews and discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage change in regulated environments. Highlight situations where you successfully navigated challenges and delivered results, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers at Gatehouse Bank.
We think you need these skills to ace Change and Operational Readiness Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Change and Operational Readiness Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should reflect your experience in change management, particularly in financial services. Emphasise your ability to operate in regulated environments and showcase any relevant projects you've led or contributed to.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ethical banking and how your skills can contribute to Gatehouse Bank's mission. Be specific about your experience with operational readiness and change management, and how you can help the bank achieve its goals.
Highlight Communication Skills: Given the importance of clear communication in this role, ensure your application demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively under pressure. Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders or managed teams during change initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gatehouse Bank plc
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Change and Operational Readiness Manager does. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as leading operational responses and designing Operational Readiness Plans.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in change management, especially in regulated environments like financial services. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed change and how you navigated challenges.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders or communicated under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to change management and operational readiness. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.