Save +150 jobs — Gerardo Cruz Q

Challenge

How might we reduce headcount and change the WOW without impacting the operations?

Achievement

Maintain 150 associates' jobs by challenging a headcount reduction program that was against the company's strategy

My Role

Human Center Designer, Researcher, Org Designer

Timeline:

6 Months

Year:

2021

The method

I was involved in this project's implementation phase; Deloitte consultant developed the discovery phase.
I deeply analyzed the documentation, found the main implementation enablers, and found the main risks.

The team

The Human Resources team led the project, and commercial directors and SMEs from the commercial areas were involved. Unfortunately, the finance and technology team wasn't involved.
I was involved as part of the transformation office to help the change management and connect the project with a broad strategic view.

The process

I led the design of the new regional roles by working with the SMEs, defining based on the structures and commercial strategy.
Directed workshops with the HR team, commercial and legal team to define how to operationalize the change
Assessed the overall implementation according to the company strategy for the next five years

Learnings

The main goal was headcount reduction and cost savings, not the improvement of the commercial area. That was a big red flag.
I found that the design of the supply structure was poorly designed and will impact the operation and reporting structure. As a result, we had to redesign it all over.
I noticed that the proposed structure was against the strategy for the next five years and communicated it to the Commercial Vice-President.
The restructuration pivoted to a customer value proposition approach that saved over 150 jobs based on my findings.