Designing a Data and Analytics function and workforce at a global Petcare company Case Study

The Challenge

A global petcare company, well-known for its pet food brands, diversified through acquisitions and structured itself into a head office and five semi-autonomous, multi-billion dollar divisions. The company strategised to establish a new Data and Analytics (D&A) function aimed at leveraging data within the divisions to enhance strategic and operational decision-making. Facing the challenge of optimising resource deployment within this function, they sought assistance and engaged Tricordant.

Our Approach

1. Operating Model/High-Level Structure

To address the challenges, our approach focused on establishing an effective operating model and high-level structure for the Data and Analytics function through a meticulous process:-

• We conducted structured interviews with 27 stakeholders, identifying 6 major themes for attention and delivering a set of recommendations
• Facilitated design workshops culminating in a preferred high-level operating model
• Developed structural options, assessment criteria, and recommendations accepted by the company

2. Organisational Structure Detailed Design

Moving forward, we delved into the detailed design of the organisational structure, aiming for precision and alignment with the company’s vision and objectives:-

• We collaborated on designing a target organisational structure down to individual role levels, approved by the executive board
• Employed Tricordant’s ’12 Tests of Organisation Design’ to optimise team size and spans of control, aligning form with function
• Designed and implemented a workforce planning cycle aligned with the company’s planning and review cycles
• Tested a minimum viable Excel-based data model for planning and performance monitoring, offering a comprehensive view for planning and quarterly performance monitoring
• Developed a user guide and conducted training sessions, facilitating complete in-house capability transfer
• Advised on an outline competency framework for the D&A function

Results

Through a collaborative approach at each stage, the results achieved were remarkable:-

• Developed and secured executive-level agreement on an operating model for the new D&A function, with a phased implementation plan
• Eliminated cross-divisional barriers to foster company-wide data-driven services and solutions
• Optimised resource deployment within the D&A function, enhancing ROI based on business performance
• Established a workforce planning process and data model, serving as a pilot for integration into the company’s new HRIS (Workday)

The project’s success reflected the synergy between Tricordant’s expertise and the company’s commitment to leveraging data-driven decision-making, resulting in a structured, optimised, and agile Data and Analytics function ready to steer the company towards data-led excellence.

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