Scott – Grocery Manager

AWIC interviewed different local professionals for an inside look into their work. You can learn more about Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621) through a detailed Career Profile.

Scott Popert is a Grocery Manager at John’s Value Mart in Wawa.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day involves planning jobs to be done that day and allocating employees to these tasks, completing all paperwork associated with the job, ordering any products that need doing on certain days, visually making sure everything is completed, do any backroom receiving that is needed and in general keep an eye on the operation of the department.

What was the education and training needed for your job? Any additional training for your current position?

I personally only have a grade 12 education. Any training was done in store as I moved up through the ranks.

Why and when did you choose this career? What have you learned since you started?

Started as a part-time employee at age of 15, really enjoyed the job so stayed on after high school. I have learned so much, how to interact with the public, the knowledge of how a business is run. Also learned the new technology which has changed a lot since I started ex. computers which really changed the business.

What skills do you have that make you great at your job?

I have an awesome memory which really helps, excellent people skills with the public and employees, the ability to plan days ahead which make life much easier, and also the knowledge of products within the store.

What is the biggest thing you have learned on the job?

Honestly, the biggest thing I have learned is dealing with the public which at times is not easy.

What is the best part of your job?

When you achieve your weekly goals that are set out the respect I receive.

What is something challenging about your job?

Dealing with any issues that arise and planning for the upcoming ads and displays which is done 6 weeks ahead or with seasonal events up to a year ahead.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing the career?

Be sure you are good with dealing with the public, make sure you can handle working under pressure so stressing yourself does not become a problem.

How would you say COVID-19 has affected your day-today-work? (Job duties, commute, check-in process, etc.)

It has affected the job a lot, a change to most of the store moving to night shift, fewer employees in the day. Dealing with unruly customers, lack of product with changes in the supply chain caused by shutdowns, and just in general feeling safe.

What has it been like to be an essential worker during a world-wide pandemic?

It wasn’t too bad, still had a job which many didn’t and the respect of the local community, and of course keeping busy.

Have you experienced loss or personal struggles since the beginning of the pandemic? How have you and your co-workers coped with working through the shut-down?

I personally had no struggles and wasn’t too worried as we are in a smaller community of around 3,000. With all the safety measures put in place by our employer, we all felt quite safe.

Could you share how being an essential worker during the pandemic has made this more personally fulfilling career?

Being in a grocery store it was great to know we were keeping the public with the items they need to survive and how most of the public appreciated you.