The Challenge
Taking a step back to assess its options for the future, a global consumer products business set out to simplify its operating environment. With a new Global President in place, the business sought greater organisational effectiveness by addressing duplication across its global, regional and country teams.
Once the new operating model was in place, the key challenge became improving performance and addressing a spiralling cost base, whilst protecting the organisation’s growth and transformation agenda. This required a clear focus on embedding the principles for the new operating model, with the aim of realigning people cost to strategic priorities.
What We Did
We partnered flexibly with the client over two years to define and embed change:
- Initially partnering with the Global President and ExCo, we designed a new operating model and leadership structure as well as a clear transition plan to the future state.
- Once the new model was in place, we led a participatory process with the leadership team to define the purpose and remit of respective teams and detail the structures, implications and cost impact of proposed changes.
- The changes were designed to either mature or establish critical functions such as Brand, Marketing, Commercial and Digital, balancing overall efficiency with key investment and growth areas.
- Once the global teams were fully established, we supported detailed work on accountabilities and ways of working across the global team and broader organisation, to ensure that the model was set up for success.
The Impact
Through an extended period of working with the client, they have been able to achieve the following outcomes:
- A fundamental shift in their global operating model underpinned by critical leadership roles at ExCo level and below, reducing day-to-day operational strain and driving improved performance
- 11% reduction in spend on existing roles and significant reinvestment opportunities based on the growth plan
- Improved confidence and trust within the global team, through a shared vision and purpose underpinned by clearer roles and accountabilities.