Heinz UK marketing roles at risk
Heinz could axe a number of marketing and innovation jobs as part of a business-wide restructure that could see then food manufacturer axe 250 roles across the UK and Ireland.
The company, owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital following the completion of the $28bn (£18.2bn) deal last month, says the planned restructure is aimed at supporting the “next chapter of growth” and “strengthening its world-leading brands”.
If all proposed 248 office job cuts were made it would amount to about 10 per cent of the company’s UK workforce. A spokesman declined to say how many marketing jobs would be affected.
The company has been restructuring its management setup to try and achieve more joined-up thinking across European markets. Last month, UK and Ireland CMO Giles Jepson was promoted to lead marketing for its European business as part of a reshuffle of its senior management team that saw 10 new appointments and the departure of 11 executives.
A Heinz statement reads: “As part of our transition to a private company, the senior leadership team has examined every part of our global business to better position Heinz for accelerated growth in a very competitive global market.
“After a comprehensive evaluation process, the company has developed a proposed new streamlined structure for Heinz UK & Ireland. Unfortunately, the proposals may result in a number of difficult organisational changes, including the elimination of 248 office positions across the UK and Ireland. We regret the impact this may have on Heinz employees and their families.
“The proposal is subject to a consultation process with employees and their representatives, and Heinz is committed to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost respect and compassion……..”
