Functional and Operating Model

A UK Retailer

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge was to design and implement a new operating model and supporting organisation structure to align the IT Group with the business priorities and needs. This needed to be done quickly to provide certainty for over 600 people in the run up to the new financial year. Alongside the structural changes, the IT Group needed to reduce spend on contractors and shift ownership of strategic areas towards internal staff. A coordinated approach to communication was a key factor in ensuring a successful transformation.

THE APPROACH

A team was formed, combining Qedis transformation expertise with the business and IT focus of the IT Group staff to ensure appropriate client ownership. Working with the IS Director and Leadership Team, a case for change and a transformation roadmap were developed. This called for an aggressive implementation, over a period of eight weeks, with Qedis working with all stakeholder groups in a collaborative workshop style. With industry best practice job descriptions, staff had immediate clarity over their new role. They participated in collaborative workshops to update their processes to support the new organisation.

THE RESULTS

- New functional model and organisation design developed with the CIO and Leadership team – implemented in 2 months creating a re-skilled and reshaped organisation

- Operating model designed, defining new team accountabilities and a revised project delivery lifecycle, and delivered through series of ‘Join the Dots’ workshops – over 600 people trained in 2 months

- Business and IT relationship became stronger and more delivery focused

- Reduced spend from conversion of contractor roles to internal FTEs - overall reduction of 100 contractors in 3 months

- Communications plan created and implemented – staff awareness increased dramatically as demonstrated by regular staff surveys