Meet our people

National Operations Support Manager

Drew, how did you begin your career with Woolworths Petrol?

I began working with Woolworths Petrol as an Assistant Site Manager in 2001 after spending 13 years working in Woolworths Supermarkets. I was appointed as a Site Manager shortly afterwards and spent 18 months as a Site Manager before undertaking Area Manager reliefs in 2003. In 2004 I moved to Sydney to take up an Area Manager appointment and was later promoted to National Operations Support Manager. I moved into my current role in November 2008.

Why did you want to work for Woolworths Petrol?

The opportunity to work with small teams in was very appealing. I also believed there were many opportunities for advancement in Petrol given the rapid expansion in site numbers.

What is the best part of your job?

The variety of work I get involved in. On any given day I can be working with our site teams to resolve critical fuel supply issues, working with our transport operators on upcoming fuel supply requirements or working more strategically on our future fuel range offer.

What would you say about the career opportunities available at Woolworths Petrol?

There are many and varied career opportunities within the Petrol division of Woolworths. It all comes down to how much you apply yourself and how far you want to go. The majority of our Area Managers started as site based employees and have worked their way up so it shows that the Company really does believe in promoting from within.

Area Manager in Victoria

Kifah, how did you begin your career with Woolworths Petrol?

My career with Woolworths Petrol started when I decided to apply for a Console Operator position at a new petrol site that was opening. I have been promoted to Assistant site Manager, Site Manager and now Area Manager. I've also had the opportunity to work interstate on secondments and project roles.

Why did you want to work for Woolworths Petrol?

I had just purchased my first home. I decided I wanted to set some goals for myself and work hard to achieve them. I wanted to feel proud that I was able to stand on my on two feet.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the people I work with. I get a big kick out of guiding, mentoring and seeing employees in my site teams grow and progress their careers. My job is never boring, something different happens every day. I really enjoy the challenges it gives me.

What sort of challenges do you face as an Area Manager?

The biggest challenge is the people part of my job. No two people are the same â�" each member of the team has different needs and may require different management techniques to make the most of their contribution. 

What would you say about the career opportunities available at Woolworths Petrol?

The Woolworths Petrol business is growing all the time and there is plenty of opportunity for our people to grow in the business. The career opportunities are excellent. The petrol division strives to promote internally and reward those who go above and beyond in their jobs.

Site Manager in Perth

Natalie, when did you commence your career with Woolworths Petrol and what roles have you held during your time with the Company?

I started with Woolworths Petrol in 2003. My first role was as an Assistant Site Manager. After a couple of years I started doing Site Manager reliefs and I was appointed to a Site Manager position in 2006. I've had the opportunity to do Area Manager reliefs and to also do some project work on new systems installations which I've really enjoyed. 

Why did you want to work for Woolworths Petrol?

The petrol industry appealed to me and Woolworths was expanding. I liked the idea of working for a big company that had a good reputation in the retail industry.  

Tell us a bit about your job including what your major challenges are? 

I manage one of the largest petrol sites in the Woolworths network. I have to keep myself and my team focussed and maintain our motivation during our busy periods.

I like the challenge of running a busy site and trying to make it as successful as possible. I am a very hands-on manager, so anything I expect the members of my team to do I also do. This includes cleaning duties, stock replenishment and of course serving our customers which I really love.  

What would you say about the career opportunities available at Woolworths Petrol?

There are various opportunities available to Woolworths Petrol employees - all you need is the motivation and the ability to progress in the company.

I think you are only limited by your desire to succeed. Woolworths has plenty of opportunities if you want to progress your career - not only in Petrol but in other divisions as well..