A change manager accompanies, monitors and supervises processes of operational changes. They work to ensure that changes are carried out in an efficient and straightforward manner.
Who is a Change Manager?
A change manager handles all changes that need to take place in the workplace. They “manage” these changes to be as minimally disruptive as possible. Change management describes the structural, systemic or strategy changes intended to improve or optimize the current status quo of a company.
Change management is necessary, for example, if political or technical conditions change. Or in relation to emerging competitors and global competition. A change manager advises on questions of organizational development (OE). They can work independently, in management consultancies or in internal consulting.
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What are the responsibilities of a Change Manager?
Change managers initiate, document and authorize change processes in a company. In addition, their tasks include the strategic design of organizational development. They justify changes and restructuring and estimate the costs, effects, advantages, and risks.
To put in place new processes without risks and disruptions, the change manager is in charge of developing an appropriate change plan. This plan is based on the situational analysis as well as conflict analysis.
Usual responsibilities include documentation, constant exchange and continuous monitoring of all aspects of a process. They also conduct individual discussions and team meetings and take care of internal corporate communication. They ensure an appropriate balance of interests and help managers implement the necessary changes.
What are the tasks of a change manager?
- Analysis of operational changes and asses the change impact
- Communication with the affected employees
- Information transfer and documentation of process changes
- Creation of communication channels
- Development of a change plan
- Manage change requests and review planned changes
- Document and create change management reports
What is the difference between a change manager and a project manager?
This is a question often asked when it comes to defining the role of a change manager. On paper, they seem like 2 completely different roles. However, in practice, the 2 roles can sometimes overlap.
In general, a project manager is responsible for completing tasks in order to complete a project on time and to deliver targets. Now some of these tasks may require changes to ongoing processes and systems.
These changes are sometimes managed by the project manager themselves, but generally, this is where a change manager comes in.
A change manager works to ease in said changes in the most fluid manner possible, minimizing disruption to employees and projects – making them crucial to the flow of a business.
What skills does a Change Manager need?
Sound knowledge in the areas of management, process control, and business administration, in general, is an advantage. They must also be confident in handling change management methods.
Change managers are not only managers but also motivators, consultants, and decision-makers. They are able to drive visions forward with perseverance and recognize the need for change. At the same time, they can deal with uncertainties and demonstrate sufficient patience in the change process.
Change managers need a sense of responsibility and must be aware of the effects of their decisions. If incorrect or wrong decisions are made, they should admit them and revise them promptly. This requires a certain amount of self-reflection and flexibility.
What skills and abilities need a change manager?
- Knowledge of change management tools and methodologies
- Excellent communication skills
- Responsibility for influential decisions
- Sound business management training
- Persuasiveness
- Problem-solver
- Adaptability and flexibility to manage ambiguity
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Background and Education
In this occupational field, professional experience plays a decisive role. To make suitable decisions, it is necessary for the change manager to have enough practical experience.
In terms of education, most change managers come from the fields of business administration and management. In the meantime, however, there is also the possibility to study Change Management at a Master’s level.
Certifications
Apart from these basic educational requirements, being certified in specialized fields can boost your resume and show prospective employers that you’re equipped with the right skills it takes to be a great change manager.
Not sure where to start? We’re listing 3 of the most important/useful certifications you could get:
- Change Management Certification Program from Prosci
- CCMP Certification by ACMP
- Change Management by APMG
What is the Salary of a Change Manager?
Depending on the exact responsibilities of the manager, the remuneration varies greatly. If the change process is long-term and not linked to a specific event, the salary may be lower. Additionally, factors such as the size of the company, industry, and experience also play a role.
The starting salary of a change manager is around $52,000 gross per year. On average, the annual salary is in the range of $90,000. The average salary of a senior rises to over $135,000 per year.
How much does a change manager earn?
| Junior | $52,000 |
| Average | $90,000 |
| Senior | $135,000 |
| Average rate Change Managers (2022) | $111/hr |
According to freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022, freelance Change Managers charge $111/hour on average.
Freelance rates in Change Management range between $91 and $137 for the majority of freelancers.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $111/hour, the daily rate for freelance Change Managers is around $888/day.
