Manager - Change Management

SUMMARY 

The Manager - Change Management at Westlake Corporation is at the forefront of guiding the organization through pivotal changes and technology & business transformations. This strategic role focuses on assessing the business and organizational impacts of new Information Systems and Technology Projects, ensuring all levels of the organization are prepared, trained, and equipped to adopt and leverage new systems and technology effectively. The incumbent will be responsible for the overarching change management, adoption and training strategies for all projects, playing a pivotal role in the success of our digital transformation journey.

The successful candidate will be adept at securing leadership engagement, articulating compelling change narratives, and developing targeted training programs. They will establish and uphold best practices in change management, contributing significantly to the success of transformative projects like ASPIRE and GEM, and setting a standard for future initiatives. This role demands a combination of strategic vision, technological savvy, and exceptional leadership to navigate the complex landscape of enterprise change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and drive the technology adoption strategy across the organization to ensure successful adoption of new solutions.
• Secure leadership engagement, facilitate role modeling by leaders and peers to demonstrate support, enthusiasm, and encouragement for new solutions being rolled out.
• Craft compelling change stories for why technology solutions matter to end users, to customers, and to Westlake overall.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including the IS/IT, AI & Digital Office, manufacturing sites, and functional groups, to understand their ways of working and to develop adoption strategies accordingly.
• Develop and implement adoption plans, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement strategies, to support the effective usage of technology solutions and processes.
• Partner with key stakeholders to conduct change impact assessments, identify and address change barriers, resistance, and challenges, and develop mitigation plans to ensure smooth transition and adoption.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams and leaders in implementing change management methodologies and best practices to drive successful technology adoption.
• Develop role-based training and skill building to ensure users have the right knowledge and are upskilled to employ new solutions successfully.
• Champion the adoption of platforms such as SAP Enable Now and establish guidelines for advancement of SAP Enable Now.
• Measure and track user adoption using leading and lagging performance indicators.
• Establish best practices for leading change and collaborate with leaders of transformation projects across the organization to deploy best practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 3 or more training specialists and/or digital communication specialists
• Oversee change management contractors and partners

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in leading and driving technology adoption initiatives within a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of change management methodologies and best practices, with a focus on digital transformation.
• Certification in change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci Certified Change Practitioner or other) is highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting change impact assessments, stakeholder analysis, and developing mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to develop and execute technology adoption plans, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address change barriers and challenges.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs and materials to build digital capabilities and enhance digital literacy.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in digital adoption.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in change management, communications or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Communications or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and working in a project environment.
• Proven effectiveness in deploying and leveraging training platforms like Cornerstone and SAP Enable Now to facilitate educational programs for expansive software application initiatives.
• Skilled in crafting and promoting a mix of learning approaches, ensuring effective knowledge transfer across digital and traditional platforms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.  The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Any lifting in excess of 25 pounds requires assistance from another employee.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel up to 50% including air travel or auto travel.