Change Management Careers in Australia - Market Insights and Salaries for 2023
They say change is as good as a holiday.
Whether it’s an organisational restructure, technological upgrades or cultural shifts, change management is all about taking a business and transforming it - getting it ready to tackle the challenges of the modern world.
Change professionals are those who facilitate the planning and implementation of these transformations to help things run as smooth and streamline as possible.
Having a successful change isn’t just about a great framework backed by some solid strategies, it’s also about employees and customers understanding the why and how of these new ways of working.
For a lot of people, change is bad. Change can bring uncertainty, ambiguity and threaten job security. Change management isn’t just about getting the new processes through the door, it’s also about getting everybody comfortable and on board for the ride. Change managers aren’t just pro planners, they’re also employee ambassadors.
In change management, no two days are ever the same. This means working in the industry has plenty of benefits to offer, including:
- Developing versatile skills
- Continuous growth and learning
- The chance to contribute to meaningful transformations
- Working across a variety of businesses and industries
- Collaborating with stakeholders and expanding professional networks.
Change is inevitable. As the markets continue to grow and evolve, businesses need to adapt in order to survive. That’s good news for those in the field - the demand for change specialists only continues to grow!
Jack of All Trades
Change managers are basically a master of all - from the developmental stages to the final tick of approval. However, it’s not just about walking the walk, but talking the talk.
Management skills are still essential, but change managers also need to nail their communication skills and master marketing. It’s not just focusing on what needs to be done, but how to convey that to everyone. They need to be continually evaluating and evolving the messaging that goes along with the change in order to keep employee engagement high.
Career Pathways
In most cases, businesses will have an in-house change specialist - someone who understands the ins and outs of the organisation. Depending on the change needed, this position can take on a few different forms.
Organisational Change Manager - as the name suggests, this role is all about focusing on and implementing changes on an organisational level. The goal here is alignment. Change managers will work with senior leaders to help bring the company’s strategies into alignment with the overall organisational goals.
IT Change Manager - this role deals with all things tech. Whether it’s software updates, hardware upgrades or new system integrations, these change managers are here to weed out the bugs and grapple with the glitches. They need to ensure any IT changes are properly planned, tested, communicated and implemented to minimise any disruptions and maximise benefits.
Business Process Change Manager - let’s get down to business! These change managers are all about improving and optimising business processes. They take the existing systems, identify improvements and supply strategies on how to get there. They also coordinate with other stakeholders to make sure everyone is on board and understanding of what’s going on and why.
Cultural Change Manager - changing how files are stored and sent or who’s the boss of who is all well and good, but if you want things to run smoothly, you need to get everyone on board. That’s where cultural change managers come in. This role is all about transforming the culture and mindset of an organisation. They help facilitate the change through initiatives, training and coaching to ensure employees understand the new values, behaviours and ways of working and get them excited about it.
Continuous Improvement Change Manager - change is an ongoing process, and someone needs to keep on top of what’s what in order ensure a business stays up to date and relevant - that’s where the continuous change managers come in. They’re responsible for driving ongoing improvement initiatives and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
Change Management Salaries
Depending on experience, skill and seniority (and whether you’re in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne), the current salary and day rate for various change management positions varies.
Contract Rates
Sydney & Brisbane
Currently in both Sydney and Brisbane, mid-level roles, including Change Analysts, Communications Managers and Change Managers, sit at a daily rate of $800 - $1,200. For more senior positions, rates are currently around $1,250 - $1,500.
Melbourne
Down south, daily rates are slightly lower. Mid-level roles currently sit around $750 - $1,200, while senior positions sit around $1,250 - $1,450.
Salaries
Sydney
- Training Officer - $90k - $110k
- Communications Manager - $110k - $150k
- Change Analyst - $140k - $190k
- Senior Change Manager - $170k - $190k
- Change Director - $200k - $250k
Brisbane
- Training Officer - $85k - $100k
- Communications Manager - $100k - $130k
- Change Analyst - $90k - $130k
- Senior Change Manager - $160k - $190k
- Change Director - $190k - $230k
Melbourne
- Training Officer - $90k - $110k
- Communications Manager - $110k - $150k
- Change Analyst - $150k - $190k
- Senior Change Manager - $175k - $190k
- Change Director - $190k - $245k
Certificates & Certifications
If you’re already in the field and looking for some upskilling opportunities, there are plenty of certifications available that can be completed to help enhance skills and knowledge.
Some popular options include:
- Prosci Change Management Certification - offered by Prosci, a leading provider of change management solutions. This certification is based on the Prosci ADKAR® Model.
- Change Management Practitioner - offered by the Change Management Institute (CMI). This certification is provided by the APMG International and is based on the Change Management Body of Knowledge (CMBoK).
Considering a career in change management?
If you think change management sounds like a career for you, take initiative. Get your skills up to speed. Find a mentor in the industry or register with the Change Management Institute (CMI) and network with experts. Learn how they started their career and ask for advice.
Don’t wait to get involved. Is there a change ready and waiting to happen in your business? How can you get involved? Could you assist with promoting culture change in your current role?
If you’re ready to get started in your change management career, get in touch with Amber Larkin Or Alex Smith!
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