John Lewis is embarking on a transformation programme to enhance its buying and merchandising departments under the leadership of Peter Ruis.
- Around 48 new roles are set to be introduced, while consultations are ongoing regarding 20 existing positions.
- The updated structure aims to improve product offerings and facilitate clearer career progression for Partners.
- The reorganisation includes re-establishing leadership positions across fashion and home departments, with investments in new brands.
- Peter Ruis is confident that these changes will bolster growth despite challenging market conditions.
John Lewis is undertaking a significant transformation of its buying and merchandising teams, spearheaded by Peter Ruis, who has returned to the executive director role earlier this year. The initiative seeks to optimise operations by introducing approximately 48 new roles, while also conducting consultations on the future of 20 existing positions.
The revamped structure is designed to not only enhance the company’s product range but also to provide Partners with an opportunity to specialise and advance in their careers. This realignment will include a limited number of adjusted reporting lines, further refining the organisational framework.
A representative from John Lewis stated, “As we look to turbocharge our business and offer the best possible products to customers, we’ve proposed some changes to our buying and merchandising teams including the creation of nearly 50 new roles.”
This reorganisation will see a restoration of distinct leadership in the company’s fashion and home segments. It also involves strategic investments in new brands, exemplified by recent introductions such as Hayley Menzies, Sol de Janeiro, and Easy Klix Furniture.
Earlier this March, Peter Ruis articulated plans to sharpen the department store’s focus on fashion retail as part of efforts to boost profit margins. Acknowledging current economic pressures, he noted, “We continue to trade in what is definitely a dynamic and volatile market with significant cost pressures.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, Ruis remains optimistic about the transformation plan’s potential to enhance growth and profitability from a more stable foundation.
The strategic revamp at John Lewis, under Peter Ruis’s leadership, aims to strengthen the organisation’s market position amidst challenging conditions.
