How to Become a Business Transformation Project Officer?

Within board rooms and executive teams throughout the UK, there is one topic of conversation that is both universal and urgent – business transformation.

Rapidly advancing technology, coupled with a challenging economy, have made it impossible for organisations to “tread water”. They need to find ways to do things better, faster, cheaper and with less waste. They are forced onwards by a deepening sustainability agenda, and the need to build and maintain a competitive edge.

As this is so high up on the agenda for most companies, the race is on to recruit people with the necessary business management insights and skills to achieve effective business transformation.

How can you become an “in demand” a Business Transformation Project officer?

  

             

What skills are most sought from change leaders?

Business transformation is often closely tied to creating authentic digital workplaces.

For all the promises that technology has made to automate and streamline business functions, it has also brought confusion and problems.

Companies need business project officers who fully appreciate the pains and gains of digital transformations, and can harness technology to specific business needs.

This includes planning, commissioning, delivery and monitoring, truly integrated and connected data processes that match the company's plans for the future.

Skills to manager people, during change

Business transformation can't be achieved simply by investing in new devices, software and cloud systems though. It relies on having an engaged workforce, and one that optimises the latest technology at their fingertips.

This means that Business Transformation Project Officers need to develop leadership, as well as managerial skills. Leadership and management courses can fully explain the differentiating factors involved. However, one of the pivotal skills for leaders is the ability to use “emotional intelligence” during change.

For example, getting staff on board and motivated, spotting stress and confusion, and dealing with varying employee abilities in a holistic and positive way.

As the digital workplace must now support a growing army of remote workers and must deal with employee pushback to technology, creating a culture of communication and collaboration can be vital to business transformation.

The value of an NVQ level 4 qualification

Any organisation embarking on a business transformation project is going to have to invest heavily in this process, and manage business interruption as well as staff “buy-in”.

Therefore, it's something they don’t approach lightly. In fact, according to one study though, 80% of executives understand the need to transform their business operations, but only 33% believe it is achievable in the next five to 10 years.

Companies ready to take the plunge will demand business transformation project officers who have proven abilities and insights. Much of this can be evidenced by holding an RQF Level 7 qualification, which shows you have studied the most update trends and economic pressures that employers face.

How to Become a Strategy Manager?

Are you a visionary individual that likes the idea of implementing exciting, fresh projects? If so, a career as a Strategy Manager could be for you. Highly qualified individuals who hold an international business degree or similar, Strategy Managers are tasked with planning and implementing projects for a company, usually working on cross-departmental matters. A senior role, they will work with the executive team and other senior managers to deliver the required results. 

The role can encompass anything from: collecting relevant data in order to generate a project idea; analysing existing data to come up with a solution to a particular problem; setting goals; devising a project which complements existing objectives; planning projects in detail, including costing’s; ensuring delivery of complex projects where multiple departments or external partners are involved; delivering corporate-wide projects (for example the introduction of a new grading system or different ways of working).

Could a full-time MBA degree kick-start your Strategy Manager career?

Because the role is undertaken at a senior level, most Strategy Managers will need to have completed an MBA qualification or MBA top-up. Besides, a good knowledge of the relevant industry will be required, as well as a proven track record of project planning and implementation success previously.

Strategy Managers also need exceptional interpersonal skills: frequently tasked with driving through ambitious projects which may meet resistance, they need excellent communication skills, problem-solving expertise and an ability to "think big picture".

What career pathways can lead to becoming a Strategy Manager?

There are many different ways to become a Strategy Manager, depending on which industry you intend to specialise in.

1.       Some people do a first degree, then study for an MBA before starting as a more junior strategy player, working their way up as they acquire more experience.

2.       Another pathway involves starting work for a company in your chosen field, then moving upwards or laterally to take on the Strategy Manager role. In some cases, individuals will carry on working full-time, completing an online MBA in UK business, giving them the skill set and competencies needed to apply for a range of Strategy Manager Roles subsequently.

What should I do if I wish to become a Strategy Manager?

It's probably best to take a look at some vacancies in your chosen field to see what type of skills and qualifications are required, then begin to work towards them!