Proposed company restructure to propel QRS into the future

A proposed significant restructure at Quality Roading and Services Wairoa could help the company win contracts and keep operating, says new Chief Executive Nigel Pollock.

Staff at the company, which is the second largest employer in Wairoa, are being supported through a consultation process by workplace wellness company Vitae after learning about the proposed restructure at a special meeting yesterday.

"This will be a difficult period of uncertainty for some staff and we want to offer as much support as practical during this time," says Mr Pollock.

The proposed restructure could affect 20 management, operational and administration staff. The proposal suggests some roles be disestablished and other roles change. There are some opportunities for re-employment.

QRS is a civil contracting company wholly owned by the Wairoa District Council.

Mr Pollock says the proposed restructure is in response to three years disappointing financial performance, and company inefficiencies.

"We’re delivering fit-for-purpose road maintenance at a time when costs are high and uncertain, the weather is unpredictable, and there’s increased heavy vehicles on the road."

"But the business environment we operate in demands we do better. We can do things more efficiently, like having more staff focusing on strategic planning, and less replication and more consistency in our processes."

"A realignment of some functions, a reorganisation of some roles, and streamlining of activities, will improve our current performance. We want to make sure all employees understand and can meet the goals of the organisation."

Hawke’s Bay based human resources company Grow HR has helped the company with the proposed restructure process.

Mr Pollock says with a new structure in place QRS could give its customers a better service and be more financially prudent.

The proposed changes are significant, and the staff have a week to give their feedback, he added. "Our staff are the driving force behind our company and nothing has been finalised. We encourage staff to give us their full and frank feedback."
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Staff will learn of the final outcome by the end of October. If a new structure does proceed, this is expected to be in place by December.

5 October 2017

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