Optus slashes jobs in transformation for 'sustainable growth'

Optus says it is accelerating its 'transformation strategy', with reports suggesting up to 480 jobs will be slashed as part of its restructure to reshape the company for 'sustainable growth'.

Australia's second largest telco, says roles within Optus Business and the wholesale and satellite divisions will be rationalised and resources optimised in response to the increasingly competitive trading environment.

"These changes require Optus to reshape its workforce with the skills required in an increasingly digital world and to invest in the capabilities required to bring ideas to market more quickly," Optus says.

The company says expects to make 'a number' of roles redundant and will consult directly with affected employees to mitigate the impact of the changes, including looking at redeployment opportunities.

Optus says the changes will also include the creation of a new customer service model, simplifying its billing and customer care systems and reducing customer handoffs.

"[This] will also enable our in-store, online and telesales teams to collaborate more effectively, ultimately making it easier for customers to talk to us," Optus says.

The changes are part of a strategy put in place 12 months ago.

The telco says the changes will create a structure that allows the business to operate as a 'highly integrated, innovative and content driven multi-media brand'; streamline customer service functions and evolve a way to work so the company can be more agile, bringing new products, services and innovations to market more quickly.

The company says the changes will also reshape its workforce with the skills required for an increasingly digital world.