Case Studies

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. is the nation's leading producer of private label foods, a major producers of foodservice foods, and a major producer of branded cereals. Ralcorp's business units are organized into four distinct segments — cereals, frozen bakery products, snacks, sauces and spreads. Each business unit operates with a great deal of autonomy while all share in the overall business strategy to bring long-term shareholder value through volume and profit growth of existing lines of businesses, as well as through acquisitions.

The challenge:

Unknown capabilities of talent from acquisitions in combination with an aging workforce overall and demands of a new generation of employees in the labor market, created doubt about the depth, readiness and commitment of Ralcorp's existing talent base. This was particularly evident with respect to key positions that had been identified as critical to operational success. An inventory of current HCM practices unveiled disparate paper-driven processes that were, at best, tolerated annually by all levels of the workforce.

The solution:

Working with Ralcorp's top management, Workforce Management Strategies developed and implemented a talent management strategy that has become integrated within the strategic agenda for the corporation. Key elements driving success of that strategy included the selection and implementation of a human capital management technology system that could support the implementation of common processes across the enterprise for career development, talent reviews, learning and performance management.

The outcome:

Today, Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. can access information about the capabilities, performance and career aspirations of its workforce across all divisions. Opportunities for growing internal talent are matched with business opportunities, reducing the time and expense previously spent on external searches. Employee perspective of career growth within the organization is positive. Learning is targeted to business needs. E-learning makes training more accessible, focused and affordable. Greater accountability and information is now in the hands of leaders who can rely on facts and targeted recommendations helpful to develop and retain staff, particularly those in jobs most critical to business success.