Target will relocate its Geelong headquarters, cutting jobs

TARGET will axe between 130 and 180 jobs from its Geelong headquarters after it announced a relocation to Melbourne.

Target Head Office in North Geelong. Picture: Mike Dugdale

MORE than 100 Target employees have been axed from its Geelong headquarters.

It was revealed yesterday hundreds of workers were affected by the retail giant’s plan to close its headquarters and relocate to Melbourne.

With about 900 people currently employed at the Geelong hub, ABC reports Target has confirmed it will axe between 130 and 180 jobs.

Hundreds more are expected to be moved from Geelong.

Wesfarmer’s department stores division chief Guy Russo told ABC the decision had to be made to ensure the retail giant was profitable and sustainable.

“The Geelong site for the national office is no longer a viable option if we’re to remain competitive and build a profitable business for shareholders, customers and the entire 20,000 team members across our store network,” he said.

Experts warned it could take three years for Target to turn things around.

Target restructured its Geelong headquarters in 2013, when 260 jobs were axed.

Senior management on Thursday told workers at its Geelong headquarters that the centre would be relocated to an unspecified location in Melbourne’s west.

The workers affected will meet with union officials and management on Friday to discuss the relocation plans.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) say it’s unclear how the move will affect Target’s 900 Geelong workers, or exactly how many jobs will be cut.

The ASU’s Victorian branch wants Target’s reasons for restructuring.

Mr Russo said employees would have the option of voluntary redundancies or redeployment at other Kmart or Target sites, as well as other Wesfarmers businesses.