Sainsburys to Restructure Tech, Store and Argos Teams, Putting Around 300 Roles at Risk
Sainsburys has announced a sweeping restructure of its technology and data functions, store leadership and Argos operations that could put around 300 roles at risk across the supermarket and its general merchandise arm. The changes are timed to support the company as it enters the third year of its Next Level strategy, a programme launched in February 2024 with a target of £1bn in cost savings over the following three years.
Technology and data teams reorganisation
The group will split its technology and data estate into three teams: one dedicated technology and data team for Argos and two for Sainsburys. Routine reporting tasks will be consolidated into a new business intelligence hub, with the stated aim of freeing colleagues to concentrate on insight-led and commercially focused work. Most of the job reductions are expected to fall within the technology and data division as the business streamlines roles and adapts to customer demands; the total headcount at risk across both businesses is around 300 out of a workforce of about 140, 000 colleagues.
Argos board and Graham Biggart
A dedicated board for Argos will be created, to be led by Graham Biggart in his role as managing director and overseen by the Sainsbury’s operating board. The group framed the governance change as a response to the “scale of opportunity” in general merchandise and as support for the More Argos, More Often plan. The business will also evolve the Argos fulfilment model by restructuring local fulfilment centre teams while seeking to make its same-day home delivery service more efficient, smooth and reliable.
Store leadership changes and four regional directors
The supermarket will update store leadership structures to reflect different shopping missions across supermarkets and convenience stores. Four new regional store director roles focused solely on convenience will be created: one in the north, one in central and two in the south. The move is intended to give supermarkets a clearer leadership line, help both formats respond faster to customer feedback and sharpen execution.
Argos delivery network and driver contracts
The overhaul of Argos logistics includes reducing overtime across its driver network and increasing the use of standard shift contracts, alongside changes to local warehouse teams. The company says these changes are designed to reduce overtime dependency while keeping the same-day home delivery service reliable. It has also stated that jobs were not at risk among the delivery driver workforce.
Next Level strategy, past cuts and sector context
The restructuring is explicitly linked to the Next Level plan, entering year three after its February 2024 launch and carrying a stated ambition to realise £1bn in savings over three years. The group previously announced a round of cuts in January last year that included more than 3, 000 job losses, roughly 20% of senior management roles, and the closure of 61 remaining cafes. The supermarket sector has seen further head-office reductions elsewhere, with another major retailer cutting 180 roles and a retail tech group reducing roughly a fifth of its workforce, underscoring broader consolidation pressures across the industry.
What makes this notable is the combination of concentrated technology change and a separate Argos governance structure: the isolate-and-focus approach signals a strategic bet that dedicated teams and a tailored leadership board will accelerate commercial progress in general merchandise while reshaping how data and tech support core food retailing.
Operational impacts and previous retail changes
Earlier work under the Next Level programme has included reallocating space to increase food ranges at many locations by reclaiming areas formerly used for general merchandise and clothing, and running a range improvement programme across the convenience estate. The operating board has already been adjusted to strengthen leadership across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability functions. The company framed the current changes as strengthening focus behind both Sainsburys and Argos so teams can concentrate on delivering food, service and value for customers.
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The company has said it will continue to roll out the structural changes while maintaining operational reliability across stores and delivery operations as the Next Level strategy progresses.
