- Overview of change managers in Australia
- Projected job growth of 32.2 per cent over the next five years
- Average annual salary of $140,000 to $160,000, with change managers residing in Perth earning the highest average of $165,000
- Industries with the highest average salaries for change managers include banking and financial services, information and communication technology and consulting and strategy
What does a change manager do?
Change isn’t easy, especially for large organisations that have multiple processes, technologies and teams in place. A change manager is brought in to make the whole process easier, guiding organisations through the transformation, while also helping to navigate challenges such as stakeholder resistance and process reengineering.
Some key responsibilities of a change manager include assessing how changes will impact employees and day-to-day workflows, engaging with a variety of stakeholders and reporting on the effectiveness of the change initiative. While it’s a demanding role that requires leading in an environment of complexity and ambiguity, change managers work on a variety of projects and play a pivotal role in shaping and reinforcing organisational culture.
Why are change managers in high demand?
The demand for change managers has risen in recent years. What are the factors that have contributed to this demand?
Rapid multifaceted transformation
In this era of disruption and continuous change, organisations are constantly in flux. Change managers can help organisations prepare for these transitions by building change readiness capabilities. Without proper preparation, organisations risk being caught off guard, which could lead to consequences such as project failure and low adoption rates.
Complex technological systems
As digital transformation accelerates, organisations are increasingly embedding new technological systems and frameworks within the business. Rolling out new systems across an organisation is no easy feat and change managers can help by minimising disruption, building capability and driving sustainable adoption across the organisation.
Managing multiple change initiatives
Many organisations are now implementing a few different changes at once, rather than one large change every couple of years. Overseeing these changes is a significant challenge, especially in digital maturing companies that have cross-functional teams. Change managers can help ensure that teams are prepared for what’s ahead by creating tailored communication and providing useful tools and frameworks.
Risks of poorly managed change
There’s a lot riding on the line for organisations if change initiatives are not implemented correctly. Other than significant financial losses, it could also result in employee resistance and disengagement, reduced employee wellbeing and loss of trust in leadership. Change managers help circumvent this by developing strategies to reduce resistance and supporting employees as they adapt to new ways of working.
How to become a change manager
If you’d like to become a change manager, you’ll ideally want to complete a bachelor’s degree in business, project management, human resources or a related field. Once you’ve completed your degree, it’s recommended to gain a few years of experience in roles such as project manager, human resources manager or business analyst to build foundational skills.
If you’re looking to transition into change management or develop your expertise further, pursuing a postgraduate qualification, such as the Graduate Certificate in Change Management at Victoria University, could be the right move. Alternatively, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), like the MBA at Edith Cowan University, can equip you with skills in leadership and managing organisational change that are highly relevant to change management positions.
Take on the challenge of change management
Being a change manager can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a role that requires resilience, adaptability and strong people skills. If you’re keen on pursuing a career in this field, a postgraduate business course can help strengthen your business acumen, leadership capabilities and prepare you for this challenging field. To get started, the StudyNext catalogue offers a variety of postgraduate business courses ranging from MBAs to project management, business analytics, human resources courses and more.
