Change Program Manager

Location: Ideally, Manchester (Hybrid – with occasional international travel)

Reports to: Director of Business Transformation

Overview

The Change Management Programme Lead will be responsible for developing and delivering the change management strategy across a complex portfolio of transformation initiatives within a global defence organisation. This role ensures that change is effectively planned, communicated, and embedded to maximise adoption and minimise disruption across functions, regions, and business units.

This position requires a strategic thinker with proven experience leading large-scale change programmes in secure, regulated, or defence environments. The successful candidate will possess strong stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills, and will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive change management strategy aligned with organisational transformation objectives.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for change initiatives, ensuring integration with programme management and organisational goals.
• Partner with senior leaders and programme sponsors to ensure visible and sustained sponsorship.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify, map, and manage key stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, including senior executives, operational teams, and external partners.
• Establish effective communication and engagement channels to support understanding and buy‑in.
• Build collaborative relationships across global and cross‑functional teams.

Change Planning and Execution

• Lead the development of change impact assessments, readiness assessments, and transition plans.
• Define and manage change governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with business processes and compliance requirements.
• Integrate change management activities into project and programme plans to ensure smooth delivery.

Communication and Training

• Oversee the design and delivery of targeted communication and training programmes to support adoption.
• Ensure messaging is consistent, clear, and aligned with the organisation’s vision and values.
• Partner with learning and development teams to deliver capability‑building initiatives.

Resistance and Risk Management

• Anticipate and address resistance through proactive engagement and feedback mechanisms.
• Identify change‑related risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate change adoption and sustainability metrics, reporting progress to leadership.

Sustainment and Continuous Improvement

• Embed change management practices into the organisation’s culture, processes, and leadership behaviours.
• Support the development of internal change capability, mentoring and coaching others in best practice.
• Capture lessons learned and continuously refine the change approach for future programmes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in leading large‑scale organisational change or transformation programmes, preferably within defence, aerospace, or other regulated industries.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes in multi‑national environments.
• Strong understanding of change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci, Kotter, ADKAR).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Experience integrating change management with project and programme delivery frameworks (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).
• Holds existing, or eligible for, UK security clearance (SC or DV level).
• Degree in Business, Organisational Psychology, or related field.
• Professional certification in Change Management (Prosci, APMG, ACMP).
• Experience in digital transformation, operating model design, or culture change programmes.
• Knowledge of defence sector governance, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic thinking and systems awareness.
• Strong emotional intelligence and stakeholder empathy.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Analytical and results‑oriented approach.
• Resilience and adaptability in complex environments.
• Cultural awareness and ability to operate globally.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Information Technology
• IT Services and IT Consulting

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