Sobeys believes in empowering teammates to realize their potential

Biviana Sanchez’s journey from a newly-arrived immigrant in Canada to a store manager at a Safeway in Calgary exemplifies how grocery retailer Sobeys Inc. nurtures talent through internal development at its Canada-wide store network.

When Sanchez emigrated from Colombia, she was 23 years old, had two little girls, was just learning to speak English and she and her husband had limited work experience. But Sanchez was intrigued by the idea of applying for a job at the local Safeway, one of Empire Company Limited’s banners which also include Sobeys, IGA, Thrifty Foods, FreshCo, Foodland, Lawtons Drugs, Voilà, Longo’s and Farm Boy.

“I had a job as a cleaner, and every time I passed a Safeway store I would see the sign, and I would always say, ‘oh my God, how will it be to go in there and apply for a job?’” Sanchez says.

It took her six months to muster the courage to give it a try. The hiring manager was very welcoming, and after passing a test, she was hired.

“I felt I got the support I needed right at that moment and I decided, ‘I’m going to have a career in this company,’” Sanchez recalls. “It was wonderful to see that a big company like this gives us an opportunity to start our life with nothing, because I had nothing at that moment.”

In 2007, Sanchez began her career as a cashier at Safeway, and with hard work and company support, she rose through the ranks. By 2009 she had refined her English, gained confidence and advanced to grocery clerk.

After gaining the required skills, Sanchez became a management trainee in 2013, was promoted to second assistant store manager, followed by assistant store manager. Then, with advanced management training through Sobeys’ Nourish U program, she became a store manager in 2019.

After 18 years, Sanchez says she has worked in every part of Safeway’s operations except the meat department. Her positive experiences have encouraged her to support and pass on her knowledge to the employees who report to her.

“I have had lots of opportunities to learn,” Sanchez says. “So right now I feel I am able to teach and coach new teammates and share what I learned.”

Sandra Pasquini, senior vice president human resources operations, says Sanchez’s experience demonstrates the power of Sobey Inc.’s employee-value proposition.

“Our teammate value proposition is grounded in our purpose and values, with a commitment to creating a special place to work, fostering a supportive environment for growth, and offering opportunities for purposeful work,” Pasquini says. “We invest in career and personal development because we are committed to growing talent from within – providing people the opportunity to have impact and build a rewarding career.”

Sobeys Inc. invests in educational programs and mentorship to prepare its leaders for career-advancement, Pasquini says. In turn, leaders are responsible for meeting specific goals, such as integrating the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion into business priorities.

One of Sanchez’s areas of focus is to use her position to support women in the industry, leading others to find their full potential. As part of that ambition, she became active in the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) – which provides development and networking opportunities to women in the company – as a participant, mentor and program contributor.

Sanchez is advancing her career in other ways as well, and recently began to look into the possibility of becoming a Sobeys Inc. franchise owner.

Her reasons for sticking with Sobeys Inc. are clear: “It’s the doors they open for so many people,” she says. “It makes you feel good to work for a company like that.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

Sobeys Inc. empowers personal growth and development

Bhavneet Rehill wasn’t sure how he would build his career when he started his first job after university at Voilà, the online grocery home- delivery service for Sobeys Inc. But his managers’ willingness to listen and guide him made it easy.

“One thing I learned at Sobeys Inc. – when you are given the opportunity to learn, take it,” says Rehill, manager, fleet solutions at Voilà in Toronto. “If you are not offered an opportunity, go and find one. The leaders here appreciate the initiative. They will support you and recognize your eagerness to learn and grow.” tools, resources and support for continuous learning and career advancement.

Rehill made seven career shifts to reach his current role since he started his entry-level position in 2020 at Voilà, one of Empire Company Limited’s banners which also includes Sobeys Inc., IGA, Thrifty Foods, FreshCo, Foodland, Lawtons Drugs, Voilà, Longo’s and Farm Boy. He was able to advance at Voilà, he says, because the grocery chain invests in employee career growth and development.

Sobeys Inc.’s employee development initiatives include tuition support, mentorship programs, partnerships with top educational institutions, and the My Journey program, which provides

Rehill says regular, fruitful discussions with his managers about his work helped him identify his path to progress. When his managers determined he needed development to be ready for his next move, Rehill was given the resources to learn and grow. In his four years at Voilà, Rehill’s key responsibilities have included employee health and safety, food safety, management and planning.

Still, Rehill says, ”Becoming a well-rounded people leader is the most important skill I’ve enjoyed learning and continue to master.”

Rehill also appreciates the camaraderie he’s found.

“I like working at Sobeys Inc. because of the people – my leaders and teammates share a like-minded purpose in this business,” he says. “I can collaborate with leadership regardless of level. Sobeys Inc.’s very open workspace allows me to ask questions, try new innovative ideas, and make decisions that benefit the business and the lives of my teammates.” Sandra Pasquini, senior vice president human resources operations at Sobeys Inc., says the company takes pride in its commitment to innovation, inclusion and nurturing talent.

“Our 117-year legacy reflects a constant willingness to grow, change and innovate,” she says. “Through our comprehensive succession-planning programs, along with coaching and mentoring initiatives, we ensure teammates are equipped with the necessary skills and guidance to unlock their full potential and thrive at every stage of their career journey.”

Sobeys Inc.’s culture extends not only through the company but also to franchisees, suppliers and the communities it serves, Pasquini says. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We empower our teammates to bring innovation to the table, think outside the box and constantly seek better ways to serve our customers. We cherish teammates who prioritize our customers' satisfaction and contribute to enhancing their experience.”

Rehill says he is inspired to be part of an organization that positively affects people’s lives.

One incident really stands out for him. When he was a delivery supervisor, an elderly customer told him that Voilà staff had improved her quality of life by stopping to have conversations with her, relieving her loneliness. The service also helped her develop a passion for cooking.

“That was beautiful,” Rehill says. “This business is motivating because the services we provide benefit the communities around us.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Greater Toronto’s Top Employers winners, published December 3, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.