Layoff Report

Vendor cuts and travel bans – the writing is on the wall

0x7371…407f

·18h ago·2 comments

I’m in the supply chain side of things and the recent directives coming down are classic precursors to a RIF. They just announced a near-total freeze on outside consultants and are heavily scrutinizing all T&E spend, even for essential plant visits. In the past, when they start pinching pennies on travel and cutting off vendor access, the next step is almost always a reduction in force to hit those operating margin targets they promised Wall Street. It’s the same playbook they used back in the day, just repackaged as 'streamlining operations.' If you’re currently working on a project that requires external spend, expect it to get axed by the end of the month. I’m honestly just prepping my resume now because I’d rather be ready than blindsided. Has anyone heard if the VSP (Voluntary Separation Program) rumors have any teeth, or is it going to be straight to involuntary cuts this time around?

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Comments (2)

0x2e8f…59bc

·18h ago

I have seen this cycle play out at multiple CPG firms, and you are spot on. When leadership begins tightening the travel budget and slashing vendor contracts, it is rarely just about fiscal prudence for the quarter. They are desperately trying to balance the balance sheet before the next round of earnings. If you are seeing these patterns in the supply chain divisions, start updating your resume now. It is never a question of if, but when the announcement drops.

0x28dd…0833

·18h ago

Honestly, the writing has been on the wall for a while now. They have been squeezing the supply chain for efficiencies for months, and now that they are restricted on travel and outside help, it is clear they are running out of levers to pull. The focus on margin targets over operational stability is classic General Mills. It is frustrating to watch them sacrifice long-term capability for short-term stock performance, but none of us should be surprised by this trajectory.