At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change initiatives and engage with stakeholders to drive cultural shifts.
- Company: Join the UK's largest port, pivotal to the economy and growth ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in change management and digital transformation.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 88000 £ per year.
Department: Human Resources
Reporting to: Director of Human Resources
Grade: 2
Base Salary: £88,362 per annum
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 7th April 2026
Interview date: 1st Stage scheduled for 13th April. 2nd Stage scheduled for 22nd April.
Who we are: We are the UK's biggest port, central to the country's economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port. We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the tidal River Thames – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.
The role: We're looking for an experienced Change Management Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering people‐centred change across our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the change approach for major transformation activity, starting with the implementation of our new ERP system, a cornerstone programme for the organisation's future. If you're passionate about meaningful engagement, bringing people with you through change, and creating sustainable cultural and behavioural shifts, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead Change Strategy & Planning: Develop organisational change strategies and frameworks aligned to programme objectives; Conduct change impact assessments and provide expert recommendations; Create change plans, roadmaps, and toolkits to support consistent delivery; Identify risks, dependencies, and cultural barriers to change.
- Drive Stakeholder & Leadership Engagement: Map stakeholders and design tailored engagement strategies; Build strong relationships with senior leaders and project sponsors; Coach leaders to champion and role‐model change.
- Shape Communications & Engagement: Partner with Corporate Affairs to deliver clear, inclusive, and timely change communications; Develop messaging that builds trust and supports adoption; Ensure communications are accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
- Deliver Change Interventions & Support Implementation: Prepare the organisation for process, cultural, and system changes; Lead workshops, briefings, and training sessions; Monitor readiness, adoption, and engagement using data and feedback; Identify emerging issues and work with project teams to resolve them; Support benefits realisation and post‐implementation review.
- Build Change Capability Across the Organisation: Develop tools, templates, and learning resources; Coach leaders, managers, and teams on change leadership; Continuously improve approaches based on learning and best practice.
- Collaborate Across the Business: Work closely with HR, OD, PMO, Technology, and Corporate Affairs; Support alignment between people, process, and system change; Contribute to wider transformation governance and insight.
What we are looking for:
- Proven experience leading change and transformation programmes in operational 24/7 operational organisations.
- Experience supporting digital transformation; ERP implementation experience desirable.
- Strong stakeholder management across all levels, including executive.
- Understanding of change models (ADKAR, Kotter, Lewin).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to facilitate workshops and engagement sessions.
- Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Our Behaviours: You naturally demonstrate our values: One Team – acting with integrity, delivering on commitments, and upholding safety and standards. Do the Right Thing – collaborating, valuing others' expertise, and supporting colleagues. Always Improving – bringing fresh thinking, learning from mistakes and driving continuous improvement.
Benefits: 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays); Private Medical Insurance (Bupa); Generous pension; Onsite parking with electric charging; Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy; Cycle to Work Scheme; Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars); Access to MyGym; Discounts.
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Karen Fuller, Director of HR at Karen.Fuller@pla.co.uk.
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
Change Management Lead *18 Months Fixed Term Contract* in Gravesend employer: Port of London Authority
Contact Detail:
Port of London Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Change Management Lead *18 Months Fixed Term Contract* in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Change Management Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its change initiatives, especially around their new ERP system. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can drive meaningful engagement during the transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your change management skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles. Use frameworks like ADKAR or Kotter to structure your responses and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Change Management Lead *18 Months Fixed Term Contract* in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in change management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this.
Highlight Your Change Management Experience: We’re looking for someone with proven experience in leading change initiatives. Be specific about your past roles and the impact you’ve made in previous transformation programmes, especially any ERP implementations.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of London Authority
✨Know Your Change Models
Familiarise yourself with change management models like ADKAR, Kotter, and Lewin. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past roles, especially in operational environments. This shows you understand the theory behind your practice.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged stakeholders at all levels. Think about specific strategies you've used to build relationships and gain buy-in for change initiatives. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts on change communication. Be ready to share how you've crafted messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Highlight any experience you have in creating inclusive communications that build trust and support adoption.
✨Show Your Resilience
Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced during change initiatives and how you overcame them. Emphasise your adaptability and calmness under pressure, as these traits are crucial for a Change Management Lead in a dynamic environment.