Express lane to the top

ROLES: Having worked his way through different areas of the business, Nigel Ollett is now the new owner-operator of the Kaitaia Pak `n Save supermarket.

Striving for the top in a fulfilling career can take you around the country, or even the world, and retail is no exception. Often people can limit their career progression in today's market as we're not always prepared to compromise a quality lifestyle and family balance for the ultimate job. Retail is unique in that within every town around the world, regardless of size, retail goes on.

Having left school and ventured out on his career path, Nigel Ollett now basks in his achievement of owning his own retail store.

In just over 10 years he has moved through the ranks of the supermarket industry with Foodstuffs, from his first role as a 16-year-old working part-time to becoming the owner-operator of a large supermarket. This involved a three-year, fully funded management development course and roles across the business, from store manager positions to seafood specialist.

When Nigel started his first job, he didn't see the supermarket industry as a long-term career option. "I had hoped the work experience would help my application for the police force. It didn't take me long, however, to realise the potential and opportunities that the business could offer me.''
As he moved through the business, his employers recognised his potential and delegated higher-level responsibilities to him, while supporting his goal to become an owner-operator.

Three years ago Nigel received a scholarship that helped with the funding to purchase his own supermarket, before recently being approved as the new owner-operator of a much larger supermarket in Kaitaia, which is three times the size of his first store.

A highlight of Nigel's career has been the opportunity to move through the business and try out different roles as he worked toward owning a supermarket.

He feels this experience was invaluable, as it allowed him the opportunity to see what other people in the industry were doing, and to learn from them. He was then well-equipped to become an owner-operator with an understanding of the entire business.

Nigel is looking forward to his move north. "I've never been much of a city boy and am keen to spend my spare time fishing, diving and soaking up the rural lifestyle.''