Change Manager

Discipline: Business Support
Salary: £Competitive
Job ref: 005162

We are looking for a Change Manager to join our Information Technology team.  The role is full time and can be based in any of our offices, with regular travel to other offices as required.  The successful candidate will be responsible for three key areas:

*       Designing, implementing and operating the firm's Change Management Framework including:

o    Implementation of a firm-wide Project Management Framework

o    Managing the delivery of the firm's Annual Delivery Roadmap

o    Designing and delivering the firm's Project/Change Engagement and Communications process

*       Leading and managing the Change team that forms part of the wider IT Team (including Project Managers and Business Analysts)

*       Leading the Innovation function for the firm including:

o    Managing innovation initiatives and personnel

o    Supporting the on-going innovation culture within the firm

o    Supporting change and innovation governance

The CM operates across the firm, working closely with the Legal and Business Support Management teams to ensure that the firm's change initiatives are successful.

The CM is instrumental in building the operational elements of a successful Change function and fostering a transparent and communicative approach to change delivery across the firm.  This will support the firm in achieving its transformation ambitions and driving growth and innovation.

Key Areas of Responsibility

       Change and Innovation*

*         Design, implement and operate a structured methodology for the delivery of change across the firm and lead change management activities, including developing management processes and selecting/implementing the appropriate tools to ensure successful deployment.

*         Development, implementation and on-going management/delivery of a Project Management Framework and Methodology for the firm including supporting the design of training materials and delivery.

*         Introduce a Project Management System into the firm which can be used to systematically manage projects and resources across the business. Ensure all users are trained in use of the new system and the system is the one true source of all project management data.

*         Work with the Director of Innovation and Technology and the wider Senior Management Team to define the portfolio of projects within the business based on size, cost, benefit and ROI, and ensure that these are prioritised accordingly, including recording any risks or issues.

*         Design and implement the project governance and reporting framework and for the firm's Project Portfolio, including KPIs for the Project Steering Board.

*         When appropriate, provide coverage or leadership for projects needing to get back on plan, schedule and/or budget, implementing robust operational controls where appropriate, establishing review mechanisms and monitoring remedial actions.

       Engagement and Communications*

*         Design and develop an engagement and communications process to support the project and change delivery framework.

*         Delivery of engagement and communications to support project, change and innovation activities, including stakeholder identification, mapping, outreach and management.

*         Support Project Managers and Business Analysts in identifying and securing key project stakeholders and resources for discovery, design, requirements gathering and testing activities etc.

       Leadership and People*

*         Lead, develop and manage the Change Team, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.

*         Ensure that the Change Team are resourced appropriately and possess the correct skillsets.

*         Work collaboratively and foster a positive attitude and culture for change with colleagues across the business.

       Operational Excellence*

*         Taking responsibility for the management and administration of all change activities, including the management of the project management and business analysis and project communications management.

*         Operational and delivery alignment to industry and business standards for project management, change management and communications/engagement.

*         Monitor and review the efficiency of change policies, processes, and administration, making improvements as required.

       Financial Performance*

*         Take responsibility for tracking the financials of the project portfolio, covering individual project financial performance, and reporting as appropriate.

*         Ensuring return on investment for systems and solutions implemented within the change function.

Skills / Experience Required

       Qualifications*

*         Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

*         Relevant professional qualifications (APMP, Prince2, MSP, APMG Change Management).

       Industry Experience*

*         Experience gained in a wide variety of organisations, but ideally with a track record in professional services, industry, and law.

       Skills and Experience*

*         Ability to lead and manage a function covering multiple specialisms, specifically project/change management, business analysis and communications/engagement.

*         Significant experience leading and delivering projects and change in a complex, multi-stakeholder business environment.

*         Strong people management skills to create and foster a positive team environment, set team and individual objectives, and provide day-to-day guidance to all members of the team.

*         Significant experience of interfacing and managing third party resources to support project and change delivery.

*         Proven change management skills, coupled with an ability to form robust relationships across the organisation.

*         Proven engagement and communication skills including designing and developing communication plans.

*         Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally within a diverse group of executives, managers, and subject matter experts.

*         Experience in chairing or contributing to Exec-level project and change management governance boards.

*         Use of Project Management and Change Management Systems including reporting and financial tracking.

*         A sophisticated and adaptable communication style which helps influence and build consensus as well as build relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

*         An ability to work under pressure, prioritising and meeting agreed timescales on key deliverables.

*         Committed to rigour around treating all clients fairly

*         Focused on attributing dedication, determination and loyalty to colleagues, clients and communities

*         Able to demonstrate continuous development and diversity in thinking

*         Understands and complies with Information Security responsibilities commensurate with this advertised role including Data Protection and the duty of confidentiality

Blake Morgan is one of the UK's leading full-service law firms, with offices in London, Wales, Thames Valley and the South Coast region. We provide our clients with practical and straightforward legal advice whatever their regional, national and international requirements. Our clients are commercial businesses, not-for-profit organisations, government agencies and private individuals.

How to Apply

Please apply on our website through our Online Portal.

Closing Date:  Within two months from date of posting but please note we are continually reviewing applications so we would recommend applying sooner rather than later.

Interviews:  The interview process will start as soon as suitable candidates have been identified.  We will notify you in advance if you are required to carry out a drafting exercise/skills test as part of the interview process.

If you have any questions, please email Rob Brown at rob.brown@blakemorgan.co.uk or telephone on 023 8085 7441.

Your personal data will be processed in line with our  applicant privacy policy which explains how we treat your data.

Please note that we are currently only accepting CVs from direct applicants. We do not accept CVs from recruitment agencies unless terms and conditions have been agreed in advance with our Resourcing Team.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of working at Blake Morgan can be found here.