What is a business change manager?
Key takeaways
A business change manager connects change programmes to day-to-day operations so improvements are realised and measurable.
- The role focuses on defining, tracking and delivering benefits that support the business strategy.
- A business change manager prepares affected areas to adopt new ways of working and leads the transition.
- Timing matters, so deliverables are released into operations when the organisation can absorb them.
- Clear communication with stakeholders and senior leaders keeps the vision understood and supported.
- Strong capability includes business knowledge, change techniques, and familiarity with recognised change models.
- Making sure the benefits are achievable;
- Preparing affected business areas for transition to new ways of working;
- Establishing and implementing mechanisms to measure and deliver benefits;
- Optimising the timing of the release of project deliverables into business operations;
- Liaising with the programme manager to ensure operational benefits;
- Communicating with people and senior leaders about the business vision;
- Defining and tracking the benefits and outcomes required from the programme;
- Managing the activities effectively that’s associated with the wanted benefits;
- Leading the transition, ensuring that changes are integrated into the business;
- Measuring the benefits after the work is complete;
Knowledge and skills of a business change manager
If you are interested in a BCM position, you need to have certain competencies. Some of them are:
- Detailed knowledge of a business environment;
- An understanding of the management structures, politics and culture of the company owning the programme;
- Effective marketing and communication skills to sell the programme vision to all stakeholders;
- Knowledge of business change techniques such as business process modelling and gap analysis;
- Training in change management , programme management or strategic management.
- Knowledge in applying best practices in project management;
- Knowledge of organisational change models such as Kotter’s change model.