Real estate firm secures CLP 900 MM and projects an additional CLP 1,400 MM through a ZBO organizational restructuring
A Chilean real estate firm was facing a scenario of declining industry activity and rising sales costs. Over the past four years, its general and administrative expenses (G&A) had doubled, while the industry, on average, had reduced them by 15%.
Faced with this gap, the company needed to implement an efficiency program that would allow it to adjust its structure to the new business reality and strengthen its financial sustainability.
Approach
At SummaPartners, we supported the client in an organizational redesign based on the Zero-Based Organization (ZBO) approach, reviewing the structure based on the business’s actual needs and activity levels.
First, we analyzed the organization’s current (“as-is”) situation, taking into account activity levels and the specific requirements of each area. On that basis, we designed an organizational structure tailored to future needs and aligned with the operating model and strategic objectives.
At the same time, we optimized key business processes, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for automation in procedures with a high manual workload.
Finally, we support the rollout of these initiatives through a transformation office, ensuring the continued implementation of the new model.
Impact
The project generated CLP 900 MM in the short term, with a payback period of five months, and established a plan to implement the remaining adjustments, with a projected additional benefit of CLP 1,400 MM.
The redesign also reduced staffing by 30% and established an organizational structure aligned with the business’s new needs.
As part of the process, we developed job descriptions for management positions and for roles whose functions changed significantly, providing greater clarity on responsibilities within the new model.
Overall, the work enabled us to adjust the organizational structure, make progress in realizing efficiencies, and establish a roadmap to achieve the remaining benefits.
Key Lessons Learned
Redesigning an organization from scratch means starting with what the business needs—not with the existing structure.
By linking structure, activity levels, and processes, a ZBO approach enables the identification of efficiencies and their translation into concrete changes. Support during implementation also helps turn the design into measurable results.
At SummaPartners, we help our clients redesign their organizations and achieve efficiencies, from diagnosing and designing the model to implementing the initiatives.
If your company needs to adapt its structure to a new business reality and turn efficiency opportunities into results, let’s talk.