General merchandise and clothing is one of the areas which will see Store Support Centre teams ‘simplified’.
The chief executive of Sainsbury’s – Simon Roberts – has outlined proposals to adapt the business as part of his plan to put ‘Food First’.
The changes – which are subject to consultation – include rationalising office space and simplifying Store Support Centre teams in General Merchandise & Clothing, as well as Commercial Operations, Human Resources, Supply Chain & Logistics and Technology.
It is expected that the plans will result in the reduction of around 500 office roles. The savings created will be invested back into Sainsbury’s core food business.
Sainsbury’s is reducing office space by one floor in its Manchester office and by two floors in offices in Holborn (London) and Avebury (Milton Keynes). Part of the Beech office in Ansty will close and Walsgrave (Coventry) and Origin (London) offices will close. Colleagues based in these offices will be moved to existing Sainsbury’s offices which are being adapted to create more collaborative workspaces and encourage greater flexibility in where colleagues work once offices are able to welcome people back.
“Our new plan puts food first and will create a simpler, nimbler and more efficient business,” stated Simon. “The money we save will enable us to invest in what customers really care about – lower prices, exciting new products and the most convenient ways for them to shop.
“I know change is difficult, but to do the best job we can for our customers, it is vital that we adapt. I understand this will be a very difficult time for affected colleagues and we will do everything we can to fully support them.”
In addition, Simon also said that by March 2022, over 20 stores in and around London will have their online departments expanded, enabling Sainsbury’s to deliver thousands more orders each week.
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