Sainsburys restructure puts around 300 office, tech and Argos roles at risk as Next Level enters third year

sainsburys has begun a wide-ranging restructure that could put around 300 roles at risk across its office, technology and Argos teams, a move tied to the supermarket’s Next Level strategy as it enters its third year.

Sainsburys restructure and the jobs at risk

The company says the changes could result in around 300 roles being reduced across Sainsbury’s and Argos from a total workforce of around 140, 000 colleagues. Up to 300 jobs are therefore at risk as the business reorganises head office, technology and other functions to support the next phase of its strategic plan.

Tech, data and the new business intelligence hub

Most of the job reductions will impact the technology and data division. The restructure will reorganise technology and data into one dedicated team for Argos and two dedicated teams for Sainsbury’s. Routine reporting tasks will be consolidated into a new business intelligence hub, freeing colleagues to focus on more insight-led and commercially focused work.

Store leadership shake-up and convenience director roles

Store leadership structures are being updated to reflect different shopping missions for supermarkets and convenience stores. The company will create four new regional store director roles dedicated solely to convenience: one in the north, one in central, and two in the south. This change aims to give supermarkets a clearer leadership line and help both formats respond faster to feedback and sharpen execution.

Argos: dedicated board, delivery changes and marketplace plans

Argos will get a dedicated board, to be led by Graham Biggart in his managing director role and overseen by the Sainsbury’s operating board. The Argos delivery model will be evolved by restructuring local fulfilment centre teams, reducing the amount of overtime across the driver network and increasing the use of standard shift contracts to help ensure the Argos delivery network and its same-day home delivery service remain efficient, smooth and reliable.

• Argos plans to build a marketplace to give customers more choice, allowing customers to shop more brands under one roof while continuing to benefit from quality, reliability and convenience.
• The marketplace aims to reflect Argos’ heritage, scale and values and will not be an open or unregulated platform.
• Over time, Argos’ Click & Collect model is noted as an area to explore to further set the marketplace apart.
• Fast Track delivery and Click & Collect are available across more than 90% of UK postcodes, seven days a week, positioning Argos to offer convenience at scale as the marketplace grows.
• Argos anticipates introducing the marketplace within the next year and highlights over one billion visits to its website each year.

Next Level strategy, cost targets and recent store changes

The changes form part of the Next Level strategy, which launched in February 2024 and included plans to target £1bn in cost savings over the following three-year period. As the business gears up for year three of that plan, the focus is being strengthened behind both Sainsbury’s and Argos, with an emphasis on maximising the power of data and technology to free teams to concentrate on delivering great food, brilliant service and fantastic value for customers.

Earlier shifts under the strategy have included creating more space for food in many locations by reallocating space that had previously been 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.

What this means for colleagues and next steps

The company has positioned the restructure as a commercial refocusing that combines leadership, technology and operational adjustments. Up to 300 roles are at risk and most of the cuts will affect the technology and data division. The restructure includes concrete operational changes—team reorganisations, a business intelligence hub, new regional convenience directors, an Argos board under Graham Biggart, and delivery team changes—while the planned Argos marketplace and existing Fast Track and Click & Collect coverage remain part of the growth story.

Details on timelines for consultations, specific office locations affected, and final role counts are unclear in the provided context and may evolve as the company implements the restructure.