What does a change manager do?

Change managers are an integral part of helping ensure smooth transitions through training, coaching and resource sharing. However, when businesses go through organisational change – such as digital transformation – employees may be resistant to change or not have the skills to adopt such changes. 

This means that change managers also identify and respond to change rejection and change resistance within teams. Using KPIs and other measurements, change managers analyse employee responses and aim to provide better solutions so that change outcomes are more successful. 

Depending on their level of seniority, some change managers may be responsible for keeping track of industry trends and helping businesses adapt to them. They might help businesses to position themselves more competitively in a fast-paced industry where change is a regular occurrence.

Change manager skills and qualifications

A successful change manager candidate may have skills such as:

• Planning and developing change management strategies

• Being persuasive in communicating the benefits of change to employees and stakeholders
• The ability to research change management models
• Research skills for industry trends and paradigms
• Team leadership

Change manager experience requirements

When creating a change manager job description, it is advisable to specify both educational and professional experience that aligns with the role. While a degree is not mandatory, candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field often stand out. Additional qualifications such as change management certifications or relevant short courses can also be advantageous.

Aim to seek candidates with proven on-the-job experience in managing organisational change effectively. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for navigating the complexities of change management. Therefore, evaluate both soft skills and a solid business background.

Candidates are likely to require strong experience of the specific industry they plan to work in. Change managers can work in a wide range of different sectors and industries such as government, education, agriculture, construction and healthcare.

Change manager education and training requirements

Change managers can come from a wide variety of education and training backgrounds. They typically possess a bachelor’s degree in business, management, project management or even psychology. Any of these educational backgrounds provide a solid foundation for the role. However, the strongest candidates often have on-the-job experience as well as a relevant educational background. 

Certifications also enhance a change manager’s credentials significantly. Popular options may include APMG Change Manager Foundation, PRINCE2® Foundation + Practitioner and London Business Training & Consulting (LBTC) courses. The LBTC is a short course aimed at senior managers and directors, providing six months of post-course support. Others such as the APMG course are longer and provide a certification following an exam. 

Change manager salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a change manager is £50,117 per year. However, salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this role is not quite what you’re looking for, job description samples are available for related positions. Here are some related jobs which could be more relevant to your search:

• HR director
• HR manager
• Director of operations
• Operations analyst

Change manager job description FAQs

Why is change management important?

Change management can help businesses stay competitive and relevant in their industry. Digital transformation is becoming a growing concern for employers and change management can help them adapt to it more smoothly. Change management can also help to mitigate or prevent identified risks within a business’s organisational structure. Implementing it may also boost a culture of change adoption among employees rather than change rejection.

Why are some employees resistant to change?

Some employees can be resistant to change if they believe they do not have the skills and experience to adapt to change. Change managers therefore train and coach staff in the necessary skills they need if their role changes during an organisational transformation. 

What are the key procedures in change management?

The key procedures to implement in change management are:

• Define and understand the impact of change
• Plan the change and learn about its impact
• Execute the change
• Communicate the change

Are there different levels of seniority for change managers?

Yes, there may be junior change managers and senior change manager roles. Junior change managers are likely to be responsible for the smooth execution of change-related projects and tasks. More senior change managers may take on board the training and management of junior change management staff as well as overseeing projects.