Become a Store Manager

Store managers are responsible for overseeing community stores to ensure efficient operation of the business, compliance with all standards and proper management of the finances for the benefit of the community. They also make sure Outback Stores’ nutritional goals and policies are implemented and adhered to.

Their major tasks include ordering and organising the transportation of all stock, organising and overseeing the preparation, display and sale of stock and maintaining the store layout and display. They also employ, train and supervise indigenous staff and strive to build good relationships with the community.

What we are looking for

People who want to become an Outback Store manager or assistant manager are assessed in three key areas: behavioural competencies, technical knowledge and job-specific skills and personal attributes.

Successful applicants will have the skills necessary to be entrusted with the management of a store. They will also have the character and personality to be able to take things in their stride and interact positively with the people in the community in which they will be living.

Behavioural competencies

Integrity: Always behaving with high integrity; being honest and forthright; acting equitably, ethically and professionally; and treating others as you would want to be treated.

Quality Focus: accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; and monitoring quality and consistency.

Wellbeing: Always ensuring that health and safety is the absolute priority in everything that is done; never compromising safety or health; showing concern and respect for work/life balance; and raising issues or concerns on health and safety.

Simple Approach: Refraining from making things complex; embracing simple approaches; and promoting simplicity by leading through example.

Diversity: Respecting and embracing cultural differences; respecting the needs and requirements of individuals; and always encouraging and embracing a diverse workplace.

Accountability: Always being accountable to the organisation; being transparent in all business matters; and doing what you say you are going to do.

Problem Solving: Committing to an action after developing alternative courses of action that are based on logical assumptions and factual information and that take into consideration resources, constraints and organisational values.

Collaboration: Working effectively and co-operatively with others and establishing and maintaining good working relationships.

Technical knowledge and job-specific skills

The following will be highly regarded: retail experience; strong computer literacy; Cert IV in Retail or willing to undertake; First Aid certificate; forklift licence; 4WD experience; experience living/working in remote locations; cultural awareness and experience in engaging with and building relationships with different cultures; leadership skills … and last of all have a big positive personality!

Other information

As part of the recruitment process, all applicants will need to successfully complete a pre-employment medical, a national criminal history check, and initial, then random, testing for illegal drugs.
Please ensure you appreciate the remoteness of the communities in which you may be located when considering facilitating your children. Human Resources are more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

What you can expect

The everyday challenges of running a store in a remote, indigenous community mean that life for an Outback Stores manager is never dull. But being responsible for putting into practice the ideals and aspirations of the Outback Stores’ mission also means it is not a job without a great sense of reward and satisfaction.

For an Outback Stores’ manager, the simple experience of seeing a child try a piece of fruit for the first time is a measure of success. This is the culmination of years of planning for a company set up with the basic, core aim of improving the health of people living in remote Indigenous communities.

Store managers are the front line in fulfilling this goal and therefore hold a very special place within the organisation.

Conditions in communities vary. Store managers in different locations can have differing experiences, depending on how long the stores have been under Outback Stores management.

In the early stages of taking over a store, managers can be confronted with a lot of challenges, such as the condition of the store building, living arrangements and getting to know the people in the community. On the positive side however, is the opportunity to transform a store and witness the reaction of the local residents when they see the full shelves and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Once the store is established and the managers have settled in, there are many other rewards. Indigenous communities are vibrant places and the people have a great love of the arts, culture and sport. They also have a great sense of fun and there is potential for warm bonds to be formed and friendships made.

Communities are alcohol-free but there is plenty of social activity, with the footy on the weekend one of the most popular forms of entertainment.

Store managers are provided with a house that is comparable to others in the community and it is furnished with all basic needs. They are also provided with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to become an Outback Stores manager, contact the Human Resources Department in the Darwin support office on (08) 8982 1900. Application forms can be downloaded from this site and returned along with your resume by mail, fax or email to:

Human Resources
Outback Stores
PO Box 1953
Berrimah NORTHERN TERRITORY 0828
Phone: (08) 8982 1900
Fax: (08) 8982 1901 

hrm@outbackstores.com.au

Download Store Manager Information Pack (646K PDF)
Download Store Manager Application Form (252K Word Doc)

Once you apply

Once the application has been received a phone interview with a representative from the HR department will be arranged. If successful, a face-to-face interview will follow (location will be negotiated) along with further recruitment activity including Reference Checks, Pre Employment Medical and Criminal History Check.

If Outback Stores believes the applicant meets its recruitment criteria, a letter of offer will be sent and a training date proposed. The letter of offer will be accompanied by forms for the necessary travel arrangements to b e made, which must be signed and returned.

Once all signed documents have been received, the applicant will be contacted by Human Resources to discuss commencement with Outback Stores. You will be required to complete a centralised induction along with in-store training before being appointed to a community.