Sainsburys: sainsburys restructure puts around 300 office, tech and Argos roles at risk
sainsburys is planning a major internal restructure that could put around 300 office, technology and Argos roles at risk as it enters the third year of its Next Level strategy. The changes reshape technology and data teams, store leadership and the Argos delivery model, and touch the retailer’s workforce that numbers around 140, 000 colleagues.
Sainsburys sets out the scale, with author and timing noted
The package of changes was set out in a piece by Cara Houlton dated 2026-02-26T11: 00: 00+00: 00 and says the reorganisation could result in around 300 roles being reduced across Sainsbury’s and Argos. The firm’s total workforce is cited as around 140, 000 colleagues and the moves form part of work linked to the Next Level strategy.
Technology and data teams reorganised into one Argos team and two Sainsbury’s teams
The restructure will update how technology and data teams are organised, creating one dedicated team for Argos and two for Sainsbury’s. Routine reporting tasks will be consolidated into a new business intelligence hub so colleagues can focus on more insight-led and commercially focused work. The company framed the change as a way to maximise the power of data and technology and free up teams for core customer activity.
New Argos board and leadership under Graham Biggart
Given the scale of opportunity in general merchandise, the retailer is creating a dedicated board for Argos that will be led by Graham Biggart in his managing director role and will be overseen by the operating board. The retailer said it is strengthening its focus behind both Sainsbury’s and Argos as it moves into year three of Next Level.
Store leadership overhaul creates four regional convenience directors
To reflect different shopping missions for supermarkets and convenience stores, the company is updating store leadership structures and creating four new regional store director roles dedicated solely to convenience: one in the north, one in central and two in the south. The change is intended to give supermarkets a clearer leadership line and help both formats respond faster to feedback and sharpen execution.
Argos delivery model reworked, overtime reduced and driver jobs addressed
The retailer will evolve the Argos delivery model by restructuring local fulfilment centre teams and reducing the amount of overtime across its driver network, increasing the use of standard shift contracts. The stated aim is to ensure the Argos delivery network and its same-day home delivery service remain efficient, smooth and reliable. The company has said delivery driving jobs are not at risk.
Next Level context: targets, past cuts and in-store changes
The Next Level strategy was launched in February 2024 and the plan originally set out a target of £1bn in cost savings over the following three-year period. Changes so far have included creating more space for food in many locations by reallocating space previously occupied by general merchandise and clothing, a range improvement programme across the convenience estate, and significant changes to the operating board to strengthen leadership across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability.
Last January the company announced it would cut more than 3, 000 jobs, including 20 percent of management roles, and it closed its remaining 61 cafes, including the cafe at the Monks Cross store. The retailer has a main store at Monks Cross Shopping Park and around 10 'local' stores throughout York. The announcement follows wider sector activity: another supermarket unveiled plans on February 25 to cut 180 roles amid a head office shake-up.
On the workforce impact, company commentary included: “As we gear up for year three of our Next Level plan, we’re strengthening our focus behind both Sainsbury’s and Argos. ” It also said: “By maximising the power of our data and technology, we’re freeing up our teams to concentrate on what matters most – delivering great food, brilliant service and fantastic value for our customers. ”
