supermarkets Sector Overview
Supermarkets and grocery
stores focus on delivering the
convenience of one-stop food
and beverage shopping.
Apart from offering a broad range of
traditional grocery products alongside
fresh fruit and vegetables in
self-service aisles, today’s
supermarkets also have serviced
specialty departments such as
a bakery; butcher; delicatessen;
seafood; and organic produce. Some
even have on-site cafés!
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>> The supermarket sector is
the largest employment area
in retail, with businesses
employing at least six times
the industry average.
>> More than 18,000 South
Australians work in the sector –
more than one-third are under
19 years and only one-fifth over
40 years.
>> These high turnover businesses
have flat management structures
supported by high numbers of sales
and support staff.
Operating check-outs and stocking
shelves is only a small part of
supermarket work.
Usually large teams of staff are
skilled in specific operational areas,
with employers investing in formal
and in-house training, so staff
continue to develop new skills, work
across different departments and
progress into new roles.
Advances in technology make for
continual change and there are a
number of career pathways.

career.
“As a successful and growing Australian
retailer, we are constantly on the lookout
for highly motivated and ambitious
employees who want to take the next
step in their career!”
190192_HR Careers Ad_Flyer_113x82.5.indd 1
Start a fresh
If you’re motivated and eager to succeed,
then Woolworths can help you make the
right career choice. Because in every
department, of every Woolworths store,
there are diverse, challenging, and
rewarding career options on offer.
Entry level roles include Customer
Service, Nightfill or Fresh Foods.
We also offer casual, part-time, and
fulltime hours across the week to suit
your lifestyle, and the needs of
our customers.
We also offer Management,
Apprenticeships & Traineeships locally,
allowing you to gain invaluable
experience, and take the first steps
on a career path into management.
Search for current opportunities or
register a profile at
www.woolworths.com.au
6/05/10 9:52 AM
 Supermarkets Sector SA STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT

Characteristics Supermarkets Sector Retail Sector Average

Total number of businesses 513 961

% of businesses with turnover: < $200K, $200K+ 19%, 81% 48%, 52%

Number of employees 18259 5885

Employees in management roles 1786 people = 10% 1149 people = 20%

Employees in technical and trade roles 703 people = 4% 577 people =10%

Employees in sales roles 9904 people = 54% 2464 people = 42%

Employees in support roles 5867 people =32% 1695 people = 28%

Average no. of employees per business* 36 6

Ratio of male to female employees 43% male / 57% female 43% male /57% female

Age profile breakdown: < 19yrs, 20–39yrs, 40+yrs 36%, 44%, 20% 21%, 42%, 37%

* This average is representative of all businesses within this sector. A sector with a large number of micro businesses may distort the average.
The statistical data used in this publication has been derived from information provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which includes: C- Data Online 2006 Census collated by State/Territory
(STE) and Industry of Employment (ANZSIC06) (IND06P) & Catalogue no. 8165.0 – Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, Jun 2003 to Jun 2007.

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 At Drakes
We give you more than just a job...

Drake Supermarkets, founded by Roger Drake in 1974,

is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) operating
within South Australia and Queensland. We provide
the opportunity for our staff to complete a nationally
recognised qualification at no personal cost.
• Certificate III in
A Retail Traineeship is a structured program Retail
• Certificate
combining work and study that offers staff an exciting IV in Retail
Management

opportunity to start and progress through a career in • Diploma of Retail

Management
...we give you a career!!
a dynamic retail environment. The qualifications that
Drake Supermarkets offer include:

>> Certificate III in Retail To lodge your application for

employment at Drake Supermarkets
>> Certificate IV in Retail Management simply click on ‘careers’ when you
visit www.drakes.com.au
>> Diploma of Retail Management

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 WHat Jobs
are available?
>> Stockfill assistant >> Business manager
>> Service or check-out cashier >> Roles in logistics –
>> Specialty sales assistant freight and maintenance
>> Butcher
>> Baker or pastry cook
>> Fishmonger
Where do I start?
>> Administration assistant
>> Casual or part-time work is
>> Accounts clerk
usually available
>> Accountant
>> A first job could be as a service
>> Purchasing officer
cashier, sales assistant in
>> IT support or analyst manager specialty departments, placing
>> Human resources coordinator and arranging stock on shelves
>> OH&S coordinator or assisting in the store
support centre
>> Business analyst
>> Merchandise analyst >> A Certificate II in Retail
(no prerequisites)
>> Human resources manager
>> Assistant manager >> Ask about a school-based
Traineeship in Retail
>> Promotions manager

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 SDA membership:
25,000 workers
like Paige won’t go
to work without it!

The SDA looks after 230,000 members across

Australia and 25,000 retail, fast food and
warehouse workers in SA, Broken Hill and the NT.
We do all the hard work for SDA members
when it comes to wage rises and better
workplace conditions.
SDA membership:
Don't go to work without it!
69 Fullarton Road
Kent Town SA 5067
Tel 08 8139 1000
sda.com.au
Peter Malinauskas
SDA Secretary, SA Branch

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halfpage.indd 1 3/6/10 5:48:48 PM
 INDUSTRY SNAP SHOT
Name: Laura Hooper Age: 22

Place of Work: Drake Supermarkets

Role: Human resources Administration Assistant

Qualifications: currently studying Bachelor of Management

(Human resource Management)

Benefits: i started as a casual cashier at 16 and now have a great role in

Drakes Head Office. working in the fast-paced retail industry allows me to
deal with lots of new and interesting people and keep up with current trends.
i’m always learning something new.

i would definitely encourage others into the industry, as there are so many
career opportunities which go far beyond just an after-school job. There
are always opportunities for promotion if you are willing to take on new
responsibilities. retail isn’t just a job – it can develop into a lifelong career
if you are willing to apply yourself and learn new skills.

Estimated salary range for this job role: $30k–$40k

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Qualities to
get a job
>> Friendly, enthusiastic
out-going approach
>> People-focused
>> Passion for good
customer service
>> Confident, with great
communication skills
>> Like to work as part of a team
>> Neat personal presentation
and good hygiene
>> Flexible approach to
working hours
>> Motivated and eager to succeed
>> Attention to cleanliness
and housekeeping
>> Ability to learn food
handling skills
>> Understand the need to
work quickly
Tasks & working
conditions
Some jobs involve electronic
point-of-sale equipment,
cash-handling, balancing registers,
packing purchases and minimising
theft – while providing friendly
customer service.
Other work may include preparing,
slicing and displaying products or
providing advice to customers on
selections. Re-filling and maintaining
stock can include late evening and
early morning shifts.
Maintaining safe food-handling
practices and working safely
is essential.
The work environment is clean
and comfortable and usually staff
enjoy great friendships and team
experiences. Part-time work and
shifts outside usual business hours
gives time off for other interests.
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 Join one of Australia’s
largest retailers and
discover We love food

1.
your inspiration!
At Coles we’re committed to providing our customers with
quality fresh food and truly better value, and you’re invited to be
part of our promise!
best
We’re always looking for enthusiastic, friendly people to join us
in providing a warm and welcoming service to our customers.
in the
world
Coles can offer you a real career path with opportunities such
as sales assistants, apprenticeships for trades (butchers and
bakers) and department and store manager positions.
For more details on how you can kick start your career in
retail with Coles please visit our website
www.careers.colesgroup.com.au
IGA Aust. International Retailer of the Year 2010, USA

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INDUSTRY SNAP SHOT
Name: kerri Foti Age: 47

Place of Work: woolworths Limited Role: retail Support Manager

Qualifications: certificate iv workplace Trainer and Assessor, Hr Diploma,

MgSM Foundation for Success, Future Leaders, Business Acumen
and Negotiation
Benefits: My plan, 28 years ago, was to work in retail for a year before
going to teachers college – but endless opportunities enticed me to
stay. Now my current role has me involved in new and current business
processes for compliance across woolworths (food safety; licenses and
legislation for liquor and tobacco; and internal audit processes).

The most enjoyable aspect is being at the forefront of new technology,

processes and business strategies. Advice and support from mentors and
company-provided training has modelled me into the manager and leader
i am today. i have gained vast career opportunities in a very fast-moving
industry. i’d encourage anyone to look at the long-term opportunities
in retail.

Estimated salary range for this job role: $100k+

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 Retail is Everywhere | Sectors

EXECUTIVE
Usually requires the Graduate Certificate
or higher qualification in addition to
CEO • Regional /Area Manager • Business Owner • State Manager • National Manager • CEO • Regional/Area Manager • Business Owner
significant industry experience

MANAGEMENT Senior Buyer Visual Merchandiser Accountant / Financial Manager

Web Sales / IT Manager
Marketing Manager Logistics Manager Store Manager
HR Manager
Usually requires a level of skill Purchase Manager Marketing Manager Promotions Manager Supply Chain Manager
equal to a Diploma and at least Merchandise Manager Display Manager Loss Prevention Manager Advertising Manager Warehouse Manager Operations Manager
5 years experience Head Merchandiser Product Specialist Operations Manager Training Manager
Lawyer

SUPERVISORY Buyer Visual Merchandiser Store Maintenance Officer Assistant Sales Manager Distribution Manager OHS Supervisor
Usually a skill level equal to a Assistant Buyer Display Designer Credit & Loan Officer Floor Manager Storeperson Staff Supervisor
Certificate III or IV qualification Trainee Buyer Shop Fitter Loss Prevention Supervisor Team Leader Despatch Coordinator Roster Manager
or at least 3 years experience Merchandiser IT Support Technician Department Manager Training Manager

ENTRY LEVEL Sales Assistant Night Fill Replenishment Clerk Sales Assistant Warehouse Attendant
Usually a skill level equal to Store Person Housekeeping Customer Service Sales Representative Forklift Operator
completion of at least Year 10, Re-filler Apprentice Shop Fitter Cleaner Delivery Driver
Certificate I or II qualification Loss Prevention Officer

w orking
jobs involve and
S ome remtauilltiple occupatimoannsager of PROCURE PRESENT SUPPORT SELL DISTRIBUTE MANAGE
across r example the e buyer,
st reamasll. shFooe st ore can bleesthassistant,
a sm merchandiser, sa per visor.
l
visua12 st aff su
cleaner and
SA Retail Careers Atlas 2010 > 49
wHAT TrAiNiNg
iS AvAiLABLe?
certificate ii in retail
certificate iii in retail
certificate iv in retail Management
Diploma of retail Management
Diploma of visual Merchandising
Advanced Diploma of
Business Management
certificate ii, iii, Diploma in Meat
processing (Meat retailing)
certificate iii in Food processing
(retail Baking) cake and pastry
certificate iii in Food processing
(retail Baking) Bread
certificate iii in Food processing
(retail Baking) combined
certificates, Diplomas or Advanced
Diplomas in specific business
functions such as record keeping,
human resources, advertising,
marketing or logistics.
Qualifications can be achieved
through a Traineeship in retail or
through a nationally accredited
training course.
woolworths has developed its own
nationally recognised qualifications
from certificate ii to Diploma level.
reLATeD SecTOrS
Specialty Foods
eg. Bakery product Manufacturing;
Fresh Meat, Fish and
poultry retailing
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 Employers Career Information
Coles www.employment.sa.gov.au/employ

Drakes www.jobguide.dest.gov.au
IGA (Independent Grocers of
www.myfuture.edu.au
Australia)

Master Grocers Australia www.wowcareers.com.au

Woolworths www.woolworths.com.au

www.careers.colesgroup.com.au

www.igacareers.net.au

To find out more about retail careers visit: www.retailexecutive.com.au ®

Proudly produced by Service Skills SA

PH: (08) 8362 6255 www.serviceskillssa.com.au
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SECTOR SPONSORS COMMERCIAL PARTNER

RETAIL EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

This publication has been produced as an outcome of the Retail Executive Master Plan Project which is being proudly facilitated by Service Skills SA and
part funded by the South Australian Government through the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science & Technology.
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