Workforce optimization in a North American energy operations group
The challenge
A North American energy provider faced mounting cost pressures and operational inefficiencies within its asset management department. The department was composed of four siloed functions and more than 170 full-time staff, with fragmented service delivery, inconsistent decision-making, and limited cross-functional collaboration. Leadership recognized the need for a full-scale transformation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and maintain high service standards.
Our approach
Solve Consulting was engaged to lead the transformation, delivering a partner-led, execution-focused engagement that combined process redesign, organizational realignment, and change adoption.
The approach included:
Current State Analysis: Conducted interviews and workshops to map over 120 business processes and identify inefficiencies.
Operating Model Redesign: Facilitated four months of collaborative workshops to define 25 new core service offerings and associated sub-processes.
Organizational Design: Supported HR in redesigning roles, competencies, and team structures to align with the new operating model.
Change Management: Delivered a comprehensive strategy including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training, and sustainment frameworks.
Implementation Support: Guided rollout through “First 90 Day” plans, leadership coaching, and embedded continuous improvement practices.
Solve’s consultants worked directly with client teams throughout the engagement, ensuring alignment, ownership, and momentum from strategy through execution.
Results delivered
The transformation delivered measurable and sustained impact:
35% reduction in headcount, resulting in $9.3 million in annual savings
Maintained or improved service delivery across all functions
Enhanced cross-functional collaboration and risk management practices
Embedded Lean Six Sigma tools and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., SIPOC, CTQ Trees, Huddle Boards)
Positive stakeholder feedback and sustained adoption of new processes
Why it worked
Solve’s approach prioritized the human realities of transformation; clarifying roles, aligning leadership, and supporting adoption at every level. With senior consultants embedded throughout, the engagement delivered results that were not only measurable, but sustainable. The solution was pragmatic, not proprietary; built on road-tested tools and tailored to the client’s environment. Solve’s approach prioritized adoption, alignment, and long-term sustainment.