Leading wholesaler Palmer & Harvey is making nine senior managers redundant at its head office in Hove, The Grocer has learned.

It is understood the cull will take place at the director level below the board. Executives affected include national operations director Martin Davies customer service director Alex Petes marketing director Richard Hayhoe multiple sales director Martin Janes and supply chain and logistics director Richard Slater.

Those set to lose their jobs were informed on Monday and were given the week off to begin the process of seeking alternative employment.

A source close to P&H suggested the move was intended to reduce its cost base, but the company refused to be drawn on this. In a statement it said: “Palmer & Harvey can confirm it has commenced the process to align itself closer with its customers and suppliers. This involves a review of its management structures. As a result we are in consultation with a small number of individuals and for this reason cannot comment further at this stage.”