Change & Optimisation Manager Review

I am a Change & Optimisation manager looking at issues raised by our frontline colleagues (across our branch network and contact centres), and aiming to resolve them as efficiently as possible. I use a Hub platform to understand the biggest issues (based on a voting system) and use our change management infrastructure to make these changes.

Yes. Studying the Associate Project Management (Level 4) apprenticeship has helped me develop a huge range of skills. The first half of the apprenticeship allowed me to use the Book of Knowledge, combined with a variety of eLearnings to learn the 'theory' before passing the APM Qualification. These range from risk management, stakeholder management all the way through to leadership & communication.

It's been a number of years since I was last 'studying' and so was excited (but also nervous) to undertake this new challenge. I am really glad that I made this decision, as I really enjoy learning new skills, but also having the opportunity to put these into practice in my role within HSBC.

I would say this is pretty well organised but a little room for improvement. A number of my colleagues have commented that they have had issues with their 'talent coach' and they are unsure what they should be working on etc., and I did find it tricky to know where to start (as they provided 3 different platforms for eLearnings, which sometimes contradicted each other). Overall though it's pretty well structured.

A huge amount of support is received from HSBC, especially my line manager. When I first started, I was told I would receive 20% of my time towards the apprenticeship, and I could take this how I wanted. Generally, I would block out 1 day a week to complete my studies/learning, and this was fully supported by my manager. He also books in regular reviews with me to see how I am getting on, what I am learning etc.

There are a number of eLearnings available from our training provider, and there are also 6 1-day workshops to support in different learning areas. However, on the whole, you are left to manager your own studying (which I think is fair). As mentioned before, it is sometimes a bit difficult to understand where to start, and some learnings can contradict each other - but generally they are quite good.

A huge amount. Having learnt the 'theory' when preparing for my exam, I was given the opportunity to put this into practice in my role, and my manager supported me by giving me the lead on a number of new projects. With my new skills, I have also been successful in a promotion to a 'Project Manager' role which wouldn't have been possible without this qualification/apprenticeship.

Yes HSBC has a wide variety of extra-curricular activities available outside of work. There are football teams, choirs etc. and there are regular social events happening throughout the month for people to socialise outside of working hours. Networking events also happen frequently and we are encouraged to go to help further our careers.

Yes

I've worked for HSBC for 7 years and have always felt that I would happily stay with this company for the rest of my working life. The pay is good for the work I do, there is a huge amount of flexibility, meaning you can work hours that suit you and work from home etc. but also the job security is a great benefit. I think the open & honest culture as well is really positive and everyone is happy to be there.

From an initial application point of view, just make sure you included the work you have done that promotes outstanding 'customer service' as the customer is at the heart of everything you do. Be yourself in the interview, as we promote an 'open and honest' culture, and best of luck!