Sainsbury’s to create new tech hub in Arndale centre

SAINSBURY’S will create 150 new digital and technology jobs in Manchester over the next 18 months as the firm prepares to acquire Argos.

Based at Sainsbury’s existing support hub in the Arndale Centre, the new digital experts will work alongside the retailer’s 900-strong digital and technology team on a number of innovative projects encompassing the store’s website and supplementary apps.

The new hub follows the creation of nearly 500 digital jobs at Sainsbury’s in London and Coventry over the past year.

New roles will include agile coaches, software developers, software development managers and DevOps engineers.

Jon Rudoe, digital and technology director at Sainsbury’s, said: “The world is changing rapidly. Our vision is for Sainsbury’s to have a world-class Digital and Technology function to ensure that we can deliver great services for our customers whenever and wherever they want to shop with us.

“This announcement demonstrates our commitment to that goal and to attracting the best talent in this ever developing sector. As Manchester is the UK’s second largest technology hub, it’s a natural step for us to recruit here.

“It’s a great time to be working in retail. This fast-paced, exciting sector is giving rise to the most innovative practices.”