Kathleen Olsen, PAK’nSAVE Petone Bakery Manager

From high school student to Bakery Manager, Kathleen Olsen has flourished in her career at PAK’nSAVE Petone. With a good mix of dedication, folded in with hard work, and dusted off with ongoing support from her manager and store owner-operators, Kathleen has built a career doing what she loves most – baking.

Kathleen’s journey with PAK’nSAVE Petone began in her final year at Naenae College when a careers advisor set her up with work experience in the supermarket’s bakery department. Within a week, she was offered part-time work after school, and she never looked back.

PAK’nSAVE Petone has continually invested in Kathleen’s career, supporting her through a bakery apprenticeship with industry training organisation Skills4Work and encouraging her to take on a Bakery 2IC position while training. With guidance from both past and present store owner-operators, and her manager, she has developed her skills and leadership.

Sixteen years later, Kathleen now leads the instore bakery team that produces hundreds of delicious, freshly baked goods and sweet treats for customers every day.

“I’m doing the job I always wanted to do - I’m living the dream,” says Kathleen.

Growing up, Kathleen knew she wanted a career that involved food. Her love for cooking and baking started early, regularly helping in the kitchen at Seaview’s Kōkiri Marae and learning the skills that would shape her career.

Kathleen has been given many opportunities to learn and develop during her tenure – and when the opportunity came to step up as Bakery Manager after her manager retired last year, she didn’t hesitate.

As a mum of three under-5, Kathleen has appreciated the flexible hours as well as the support and guidance she’s had over the years from her team, manager, and past and present owner-operators.

“The store has always supported me, checking in regularly to make sure I’m happy and offering opportunities to upskill. The flexibility they provide also helps me balance my work and home life with my young family.

“It’s all helped me get to where I am today. I’d recommend a career with PAK’nSAVE to anyone,” Kathleen says.

Kathleen and her team work hard to meet the needs of their customers, producing top-sellers such as custard squares, brownies, chocolate eclairs, and donuts.

Seeing customers’ joy when they pick up a treat from the bakery is a real highlight, she says.

Looking ahead, Kathleen aims to expand the bakery’s product range and continue making the popular offerings even nicer.

As PAK’nSAVE Petone continues to invest in its people, Kathleen’s story is among many at PAK’nSAVE stores nationwide, nurturing talent and providing people with incredible careers.