From small beginnings

"I'll work in retail until I find a real job!'' How often have you heard someone say that? At Restaurant Brands (which operates Starbucks, Pizza Hut and KFC), there are numerous senior managers who said this five or more years ago.

Retail is no longer an employment gap-filler, it is an industry where career prospects are abundant. Employing 17 per cent of New Zealand's workforce, the retail sector offers opportunities to become an expert in your field.

The retail industry is one of the few sectors where you can join at a hands-on, operational level and make it to the top. Internal promotion is emphasised as it is fundamental that senior executives understand the operational aspects of a retail business.

At Restaurant Brands, the general manager of KFC started as a trainee and the entire team of 27 area managers have all been internally promoted. Deanna Green, a Pizza Hut area manager, joined the company as a delivery driver. Few other industry sectors are as visible, challenging or rewarding. When you launch a new product you see instant sales results; no two days are the same, there are always new people to meet and you know that when you deliver great customer service your customers come back, again and again.

If you have always wanted to run your own business, managing a retail outlet with a major retail group, Restaurant Brands offers excellent training (NZQA qualifications) and business skills.

No matter what level of the retail sector you join it will always be fun, but most importantly, when you are ready to move up the career ladder you won't have far to look.

For more information on employment opportunities at Restaurant Brands, email human resources adviser Janice Smith: janice_smith@restaurantbrands.co.nz