Strategy & Change Lead (Programme Manager)

Maxwell Bond; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK Retail Distribution company is seeking a Strategy & Change Lead (Programme Manager) to lead an 18-month transformation programme focused on automation and operational optimization. The ideal candidate will have strong change management skills and experience in improving efficiencies within warehouse operations. This is a high-impact role with full senior leadership support, providing a unique opportunity to influence the company’s strategic direction.

Benefits

10% Bonus

Car Allowance

Qualifications

• Experience working in a business with a significant operations or warehousing presence.
• Proven success implementing automation within operations or supply chain.
• Strong change management experience - able to influence, challenge, and lead people through change.
• Strong on the people-side of change and confident influencing at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead an 18-month strategic change programme focused on automation and operational optimisation.
• Champion the adoption of automation across the business, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Work across multiple warehouse operations to break down silos and drive efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, managing resistance and securing buy-in at all levels.
• Support the integration of a platform the business is implementing for the first time.
• Deliver improvements that have a measurable impact on operations, customer experience, and the bottom line.

Skills

Change management

Automation implementation

Stakeholder management

Operational optimisation

People management

Job description

18-Month FTC | £65,000 + 10% Bonus + Car Allowance

Location: Manchester - Hybrid/3 Days a week

A major UK Retail Distribution company are embarking on the biggest transformation programme in its history - and we’re looking for a Strategy & Change Lead (Programme Manager) who can truly make their mark.

This is a rare opportunity to join a company where change management is still developing, meaning you’ll have the chance to influence, shape, and embed new ways of working as part of an 18-month programme that is the #1 priority across the organisation.

As the Strategy & Change Lead, you’ll lead a major transformation to improve operational efficiency, embed automation, and support business growth.

You’ll work across siloed warehouse operations to streamline processes, integrate systems, and drive new ways of working, requiring strong stakeholder management and a proven ability to deliver change.

In this role you will:

• Lead an 18-month strategic change programme focused on automation and operational optimisation
• Champion the adoption of automation across the business, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Work across multiple warehouse operations to break down silos and drive efficiency
• Collaborate with senior leaders, managing resistance and securing buy-in at all levels
• Support the integration of a platform the business is implementing for the first time
• Deliver improvements that have a measurable impact on operations, customer experience, and the bottom line

What's in it for you?

• Make your mark: The change function is still maturing, giving you space to shape strategy and delivery
• Top business priority: This programme has full visibility and support from senior leadership
• High-impact transformation: You’ll be delivering the most fundamental operational change the business has ever undertaken
• 18-month end-to-end ownership: A unique opportunity to lead a major programme from inception to implementation

To be successful as the Programme Manager, all you need is:

• Experience working in a business with a significant operations or warehousing presence
• Proven success implementing automation within operations or supply chain
• Strong change management experience - able to influence, challenge, and lead people through change
• Strong on the people-side of change and confident influencing at all levels

If you’re excited by big transformation, delivering meaningful change, and shaping the future of a major operational business, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a genuinely incredible opportunity and with interview slots for THIS WEEK, it won't be available for long so APPLY NOW!

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