Delhaize Cutting 500 More Jobs

SALISBURY, N.C. — Delhaize America here said Wednesday that it would eliminate 500 jobs this week as part of its new organizational structure.

The jobs, described as being “above the store manager level” include 350 current workers as well as 150 open positions. The company said it would inform employees of the layoffs by next Tuesday.

The layoffs come in the wake of an executive restructuring announced last month that eliminated 25% of Delhaize’s high-level leadership positions, as well as 45 store closures.

Roland Smith, Delhaize America’s chief executive officer, told employees in a memo this week that “many of you will hear that your responsibilities will not change, some will learn about new opportunities and challenges, and some will hear the difficult news that you will be departing the organization. I realize that you may have been anxiously awaiting this news and that potentially waiting another week to learn more may seem like a long time. However, I want to assure you that we’re moving as quickly as possible with this process while still taking the time necessary to ensure our associates are treated with dignity and respect.”

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Smith said he would provide additional details of the new corporate structure next week following the layoffs.

Delhaize employs about 100,000 people throughout the organization. Around 2,500 work at its headquarters in Salisbury. Spokeswoman Christy Phillips-Brown said she could not elaborate on what areas of the company would be affected by the job reductions until after the company informed employees of their status.

“As previously announced, Delhaize America has been focused on implementing a new organizational structure that enables the company to operate more effectively and efficiently,” Delhaize said in a statement. “In support of this continued work, the company has made a number of organizational changes across Delhaize America, which will be communicated to associates this week. These decisions will result in nearly 500 fewer positions, including the elimination of 150 open positions. These decisions were carefully considered and made with the ultimate goal of serving our customers, growing our business and creating shareholder value.”

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