Change Manager (12M FTC)

Sainsbury’s Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Manchester is seeking a Change Manager to oversee the delivery of key transformation initiatives in finance operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing complex change and engaging stakeholders effectively. The role includes planning change strategies, identifying risks, and supporting teams during transitions. Competitive benefits and a collaborative team culture are offered.

Benefits

Colleague discount

Performance-related bonus

Private healthcare

Interest-free car loan

Qualifications

• Experience of delivering large‑scale, complex change initiatives.
• Adept at building relationships and influencing at all levels.
• Skilled in change management methodologies such as ADKAR/Prosci, Kotter, or Lewin.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement change management strategies.
• Produce materials for communication, training, and engagement.
• Identify and manage risks, supporting workstream leads.

Skills

Change Management

Stakeholder engagement

Planning and implementation

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Overview

The Finance Operations & Change division lies at the heart of Sainsbury's mission to deliver operational excellence and continuous improvement across all finance functions. We are a collaborative, forward‑thinking team dedicated to integrating, automating, and optimising processes that make life easier for our customers and our colleagues. Our division partners closely with stakeholders across the business to drive transformation, encourage innovation, and ensure that change delivers sustainable value. If you thrive in an environment that values curiosity, teamwork, and making a tangible impact, you'll find a like‑minded community here.

About the role

As a Change Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of key initiatives that modernise our finance operations. Reporting to the Head of Finance Transformation, you'll work in a matrix environment alongside colleagues from Finance, Sainsbury's Tech, Commercial, and other business areas. You will be responsible for planning and implementing change management strategies for significant projects, supporting stakeholders at all levels, and producing high‑quality materials to facilitate communication, training, and engagement. Your day‑to‑day activities will include stakeholder analysis, change impact assessments, and business readiness planning. You will proactively identify and manage risks, champion new ways of working, and support workstream leads to monitor and embed change. As a subject matter expert, you'll provide guidance and challenge to ensure the best outcomes for Sainsbury's and our customers, driving our Next Level Strategy forward.

Qualifications & experience

To succeed in this role, you'll bring experience of delivering large‑scale, complex change initiatives within a fast‑paced environment. You are adept at building relationships, influencing at all levels, and communicating clearly and confidently. Your organisational skills and attention to detail enable you to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. You are skilled in change management methodologies and have a track record of supporting colleagues through change, always seeking out opportunities to improve our ways of working. Our valued behaviours – Own it, Make it better, Be human – are central to your approach. You take ownership for delivering results, embrace and encourage innovation, and proactively foster honest, supportive relationships. You understand the importance of effective communication and adapt your style to suit the needs of stakeholders throughout the business.

Essential Skills

• Experience in Change Management, including communication, engagement, and training activities
• Proven track record of delivering change initiatives of significant complexity within multi‑year programmes involving multiple stakeholders
• Expert knowledge of formal Change Management methodologies (e.g., ADKAR/Prosci, Kotter, Lewin)
• Experience in developing and executing end‑to‑end change plans from inception to adoption
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines in a matrix environment

Inclusivity & development

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you'll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there's always the chance to try something new – whether that's as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business – and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working.

Benefits

• Colleague discount – 10% off your shopping online and in‑store at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU, and Habitat, with the discount increasing to 15% at points during the year.
• Pensions scheme and life cover.
• Performance‑related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on performance.
• Annual holiday allowance with the option to purchase up to an additional week.
• Private healthcare.
• Season ticket loans.
• Interest‑free car loan of up to £10k.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Health cash plans.
• Salary advance – access some of your pay before payday.
• Access to a range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave.
• Up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.