Change Management Lead (Multi-Channel Retail)

NextStepNextStep·Remote(United Kingdom)
Other
Excel

WFA Digital Insight

As the demand for experienced change management professionals grows, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year, roles like this Change Management Lead position are becoming increasingly crucial. With the retail sector undergoing significant transformations, companies are looking for experts who can navigate complex change initiatives. NextStep's client, a leading multi-channel retailer, is no exception. To succeed in this role, candidates will need to demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills, expertise in change management methodologies, and the ability to drive adoption from the ground up. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to showcase their experience in leading change initiatives and their ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Job Description

About the Role

The Change Management Lead role is a critical position within the company's £400m digital and operational transformation programme. As a key figure in the programme, the successful candidate will work directly with the Chief People Officer and COO to ensure that employees, managers, and leaders across the business are ready, willing, and able to adopt new ways of working. This will involve designing and executing change strategies for major workstreams, managing a small change team, and acting as a trusted adviser to senior programme stakeholders.

The role will require a deep understanding of change management principles and methodologies, as well as the ability to apply these in a complex, multi-channel retail environment. The successful candidate will need to be able to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, from frontline employees to senior leaders, and build trust and credibility with key stakeholders.

The company is midway through its transformation programme, and the Change Management Lead will play a crucial role in driving the people change dimension of the programme. This will involve working closely with the programme team, as well as with external partners and stakeholders, to ensure that the company is able to achieve its transformation goals.

What You Will Do

  • Design and implement change management strategies for major transformation workstreams, including stakeholder engagement plans, communication campaigns, and training approaches.
  • Lead a team of 2-3 change analysts and managers, coordinating their work across multiple programme streams.
  • Conduct change impact assessments and readiness evaluations across affected business areas.
  • Develop and maintain a change network across the business, engaging line managers and local champions to drive adoption from the ground up.
  • Report on change readiness and adoption metrics to the programme board and ExCo.
  • Collaborate with the programme team to identify and mitigate potential risks and issues related to change management.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the company's organisational culture and change management requirements.
  • Identify and capitalise on opportunities to drive business benefits through effective change management.
  • Work closely with external partners and stakeholders to ensure that change management approaches are aligned with industry best practices.
  • Develop and maintain a knowledge management system to capture and share change management best practices and lessons learned.

What We Are Looking For

  • 7-10 years of experience in change management, organisational design, or transformation consulting, with direct accountability for change delivery on large programmes.
  • Strong expertise in change management methodology (PROSCI, Kotter, or equivalent) applied in complex organisational contexts.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to influence and build trust at all levels of the organisation.
  • Pragmatic and delivery-focused, able to design approaches that are realistic given business constraints and programme timelines.
  • Retail, consumer, or large-scale operational transformation experience is a strong advantage.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex data sets and develop insights to inform change management strategies.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a small team of change professionals.
  • Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.

Nice to Have

  • Experience of working in a multi-channel retail environment, with a deep understanding of the sector's unique challenges and opportunities.
  • Knowledge of Agile methodologies and their application in change management.
  • Experience of working with external partners and stakeholders to drive change management initiatives.
  • Certification in change management, such as PROSCI or equivalent.

Benefits and Perks

  • Base salary of £95,000 - £120,000, depending on experience.
  • Annual performance bonus.
  • Defined contribution pension with enhanced employer contribution.
  • Private health cover.
  • 28 days holiday.
  • Hybrid working from London.
  • Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
  • Access to a range of training and development programmes.
  • A dynamic and supportive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

How to Stand Out

  • To stand out in this role, be prepared to showcase your experience in leading change initiatives and your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Make sure you have a strong understanding of change management methodologies and how to apply them in a complex, multi-channel retail environment.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have driven adoption and managed resistance to change in previous roles.
  • Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and build trust and credibility with key stakeholders.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office tools, and how you have used these to inform change management strategies.
  • Research the company and its transformation programme, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the programme's success.
  • Consider creating a portfolio of your work, including case studies and testimonials from previous clients or employers.

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