At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change in a major scientific infrastructure programme at the John Innes Centre.
- Company: Join one of the world's leading research institutes in plant and microbial science.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and drive meaningful organisational transformation.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking initiative that shapes the future of scientific research.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large-scale change and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The John Innes Centre (JIC) is one of the world’s leading research institutes in plant and microbial science. At the centre of its long-term strategy sits the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Programme, a major publicly and privately funded capital and transformation programme with the Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) that will redefine how world-class science is delivered at the Norwich Research Park. NGI is an ambitious, multi-year £400m+ programme that brings together significant capital investment and complex organisational change.
Its most substantial element is the development of a new laboratory and enabling infrastructure that will bring together researchers from JIC and TSL into a flexible, future-ready environment, purpose-built for collaboration, discovery and global scientific impact. Enabling projects are underway and, with the main laboratory project set to be delivered over the next five years, the programme will create facilities that support advanced research, training, teaching and learning, while acting as a national and international hub for plant and microbial science.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer as Senior Responsible Owner, and working closely with the NGI Programme Director and senior leadership team, the Senior Business Change Manager will play a critical leadership role within the programme, ensuring that large-scale investment in infrastructure and facilities delivers meaningful, sustained organisational transformation across JIC and its partners.
The role will be responsible for developing and delivering a coherent business change and adoption strategy, ensuring that change is aligned to programme delivery, organisational priorities and long-term outcomes. In this influential role, you will lead stakeholder engagement and impact assessment across the organisation and its partners, ensuring alignment and maintaining confidence through transformation.
Reporting and governance are also key aspects of the role, working closely with the PMO to provide clear insight into organisational readiness, risks and benefits realisation. The successful candidate will be an experienced and credible change leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex transformation programmes.
You will bring expertise in organisational readiness, benefits realisation and stakeholder alignment, alongside experience of integrating change with programme governance and measurable outcomes. The individual will be highly effective at influencing senior leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments, with the ability to build consensus and maintain trust through change.
Experience within scientific, academic, clinical or similarly complex settings—and in programmes linked to infrastructure or estates transformation—will be highly valuable, although not essential. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in one of the most significant scientific infrastructure programmes in the UK, make a major impact in the region, and deliver a legacy that will underpin scientific excellence for decades to come.
Whilst on-campus presence is essential for stakeholder engagement, the role is offered on a flexible, hybrid work pattern approach.
Senior Business Change Manager in Norwich employer: John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre (JIC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific innovation within the Next Generation Infrastructure Programme. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, JIC provides flexible hybrid working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance while fostering an environment where impactful research and transformation thrive. Joining JIC means contributing to a legacy of scientific excellence and being part of a team dedicated to making a significant difference in plant and microbial science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Change Manager in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the John Innes Centre. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the NGI Programme thoroughly. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your experience as a change leader can help them achieve their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and navigated complex environments in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at JIC.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Change Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Business Change Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading large-scale transformations and stakeholder engagement, as these are key to the position.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Use your supporting statement to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed change in complex environments, and don’t forget to connect your experiences to the goals of the NGI Programme.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Business Change Manager, your ability to influence and lead is crucial. Make sure to include instances where you've effectively navigated stakeholder environments and built consensus, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive organisational transformation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you'll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Change Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your change management theories and practices. The role is all about delivering large-scale transformation, so be ready to discuss your experience with organisational readiness and benefits realisation. Have specific examples from your past roles that showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the NGI Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Next Generation Infrastructure Programme and its goals. Knowing the ins and outs of how it aims to redefine scientific delivery will show your genuine interest in the role and help you align your answers with their objectives during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios
Prepare for questions around stakeholder engagement and impact assessment. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments and built consensus. This will demonstrate your ability to influence senior leaders and maintain trust through change.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the role offers a hybrid work pattern, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and productivity in both on-campus and remote settings. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted to different working environments while still achieving results.