Innovation & Change Manager

The Innovation and Change Manager in Operations is responsible for driving process improvements, leading change initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. This role focuses on identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, implementing new technologies and methods, and ensuring smooth transitions during change projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational management, change leadership, and strategic problem-solving.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Innovation Strategy and Implementation

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for operational innovation and process improvement.
• Develop and execute strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and scalability within operations.
• Research and recommend new tools, technologies, and methodologies to support innovation.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving within the operations team.

2. Change Management

• Lead and manage change initiatives across operational departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and implement change management plans, including communication, training, and support strategies.
• Address resistance to change by engaging stakeholders and providing clear, actionable guidance.
• Monitor the progress and impact of change initiatives, adjusting plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and operational challenges.
• Act as a liaison between leadership and frontline teams, ensuring alignment and clear communication during change initiatives.
• Partner with technology, HR, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of innovations and changes.

4. Process Analysis and Optimization

• Analyse existing workflows and processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Utilize data-driven insights to propose and implement process optimizations.
• Track the effectiveness of new processes and make adjustments to ensure long-term success.

5. Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Assess risks associated with change initiatives and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry regulations during the implementation of new processes or technologies.
• Anticipate potential challenges and proactively develop contingency plans.

6. Training and Development

• Create training programs and materials to support staff during the adoption of new processes and tools.
• Coach and mentor team members to foster a mindset of adaptability and innovation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of training initiatives and adjust as needed for continuous improvement.

2. REQUIREMENTS

• Action orientated: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, energy and enthusiasm.

• Collaborative: Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues and say what needs to be said.

• Strategic Mindset: Sees ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies

• Nimble Learning: Actively learns through experimentation when tackling new problems. Using both successes and failures as a learning factor.
  

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Familiarity with change management frameworks
• Experience with workflow automation tools and operational software.
• Strong data analysis skills to drive insights and decision-making.
• Understanding of AI and Machine learning