Hy-Vee, Inc. announced a new strategy to allow the supermarket chain focus in three key areas, Information Technology (IT), HealthMarkets and restaurant development. As a result of the restructuring, approximately 60 corporate positions were impacted, the company said.
More than 50 new full-time positions will be IT-based and work at Hy-Vee’s new facility in Grimes. The new facility will serve as a creativity center where those in IT and marketing will work together to develop future apps, programs and online content that will provide customers with more convenience and customer service, while showcasing the company’s culinary expertise.
“We are redirecting how we are supervising and structuring certain administrative areas of the company,” said Hy-Vee spokeswoman Tara Deering-Hansen.
At least 50 of the people whose positions were affected were offered job reassignments within the company, including opportunities at the store level or the new positions being created.
The changing nature of the grocery business necessitated the changes at the corporate headquarters, which has about 550 people.
“We are a growing company,” Deering-Hansen said. “As we continue to evolve our services and product offerings, we will grow other areas within the company.”
Hy-Vee in the list of the top 25 largest supermarket chains in US
The remaining nearly 20 new positions will work out of Hy-Vee’s West Des Moines corporate office and oversee future development and expansion of the company’s Hy-Vee Market Grille restaurants and HealthMarkets, which provide organic, natural, gluten-free and allergy-friendly foods.
The company has 103 Hy-Vee Market Grilles and 179 HealthMarkets across its eight-state region. Currently, there are more than 400 full-time retail positions available at their stores.
Hy-Vee ranks among the 25 largest supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States, according to company officials.
From its Iowa headquarters, the company oversees 244 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Hy-Vee is a $9.8 billion company with more than 84,000 total employees.