Asda is introducing a new operating model for its commercial team in Leeds to support its long-term goal of becoming the UK’s second largest grocery retailer.
The retailer said the change is part of its transformation to ensure it has “the right structures, technology, and people skills” in place to support its growth plan.
The new model comprises of eight integrated business units aligned to specific categories, led by a business unit director who is fully responsible for sales and profitability in their area.
Within each unit there will be dedicated teams responsible for buying, ranging and pricing, which will replace the current structure, splitting responsibilities across multiple functions.
Although Asda will be investing in 36 new positions, including an extra 28 buying roles, the change will also result in around 37 redundancies, predominantly from the category planning, modular planning and supply functions.
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The supermarket giant said this will allow teams to act with greater agility and respond better to customer needs as a result of faster decision making and by being better informed from insight and data.
Asda chief commercial officer Kris Comerford, said: “We are introducing a new commercial structure to ensure that our teams are in the best position to support Asda’s long-term growth ambitions, which include significant expansion in the convenience and foodservice markets.
“The move to a more agile way of working, with simpler processes and extra investment in key areas like buying, will help strengthen our relationships with suppliers and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our customers too.”
