Expression of Interest - Girls Who Own
We’re welcoming expressions of interest for our 2026 Girls Who Own Programme that we're excited to bring to Wellington this year. Please note this isn't an application, just an expression of interest and we'll send you a reminder when applications are open.
Girls Who Own is an immersive mana-enhancing leadership development programme for young women aged 16-20 who aspire to own their own supermarket or become a retail leader.
When: Four days from Monday July 13 to July 16, 2026. From 9am - 4.30pm daily
Where: Lower Hutt Events Centre, Wellington
Details: This is an unpaid opportunity with lunch and snacks provided throughout the programme.
We’re looking for young women aged 16-20 who
• Aspire to be leaders
• Have an entrepreneurial spirit or curiosity to run your own business
• Are interested in the retail FMCG industry that plays a critical part in feeding New Zealand communities
• Want to build skills and knowledge in what it takes to run a supermarket and lead a team
• Are at high school or university (or a recent leaver)
We welcome applications from those who identify as women, non-binary or other gender minorities.
You don't need to currently work in our supermarkets but we welcome application from those who do, ideally as a part-time or casual team member.
By being part of this programme you’ll
• Be inspired about the endless career opportunities in grocery retail and hear real stories from trailblazing female Owner Operators.
• Be empowered to make more informed career decisions by seeing behind the scenes of how a large business runs, by gaining practical exposure to retail leadership, and having one-on-one mentoring.
• Be equipped with entrepreneurial skills for the future, confidence, and new-found friends and professional connections that will last a lifetime.
• Have fun!
Why get into Supermarket Ownership?
Put simply, our Owner Operators are the heartbeat of the Foodstuffs North Island Co-op. Becoming an Owner Operator in our Co-op is a rewarding career. You'll have the opportunity to lead a store to success while knowing you have the support and scale of the Co-op behind you every step of the way. This is a career for those who are up for a challenge, have a passion for people, and want to be a positive force for New Zealand communities.
About Us
Foodies (Foodstuffs North Island) is an unbeatable team of over 25,000. We’re New Zealand Owned and Operated and for over 100 years, we've built up a network of almost 350+ PAK’n’SAVE’s New World’s, Four Squares, Gilmours and Liquorland stores across the North Island and we exist to help make sure New Zealanders get more out life. We have a commitment to be here for our country, here for our people and here for our communities in everything we do.
Check us out here https://www.foodstuffs.co.nz, on Instagram @foodiescareers, and TikTok @lifeatfoodies if you’re keen to stay up to date with the latest.
Next steps
Applications open 9am Monday 27 April, 2026.
After submitting your Expression of Interest will send you an email with the link to apply when applications open.