The Co-operative Group is set to restructure its marketing and buying departments which will involve senior staff being made redundant at its Manchester-based food division.

The changes will see Patrick Allen take on the role of director of marketing as he oversees the group marketing department which will result in Debbie Robinson, director of food and retail marketing and David Messom, director of food retail trading lose their jobs along with 10 other members of staff.

Sean Toal, director of food retail operations, will head up the new food department under the title of commercial director.

The move follows the company’s acquisition of Somerfield and its merger with Britannia Building Society.

Patrick Allen, group marketing director, commented: “Over the past few years The Co-operative has re-emerged as one of the strongest and most successful brands in the UK, measured by a number of key performance indicators including commercial success, consumer trust and customer advocacy. The Group Marketing Department has played a vital role in establishing this position. The changes announced today, whilst regrettable in the areas where individual roles are impacted, are nevertheless necessary to further support the Co-operative Group and ensure that business momentum is sustained.”