2024 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Amanda Chambers (Q&A)
Amanda Chambers
Director Support Services
Sobeys
How did you get your start in the grocery/CPG business?
I started as a part-time deli clerk during high school. Then, after finishing my post-secondary education, I joined the Sobeys finance and accounting function. I was able to gain experience and exposure through several progressively responsible positions. My interest and passion developed over time. Then, two years ago, I took the leap into operations.
What intrigues you about the grocery/CPG business?
The fast-paced nature of changing trends and the significant impact on consumers. Things are always moving quickly and you must stay fresh and relevant.
What keeps you motivated at work?
The people keep me motivated. Knowing the significant impact my work can have on the store teammates and customers is a great motivator.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the people and the ability to influence change. There is a real opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives, from what they eat to how we support during adversity.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I would say working through COVID challenges in the early days. When everyone is looking to you for answers and certainty on a playbook that hasn’t even been written. That period required a completely new mindset and shift in priorities.
How did you overcome it?
I ensured every decision was made with integrity and kept our teammates and customers at the forefront. This helped as we faced further business continuity challenges more recently, like weather events that impacted our whole network.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging part is also the most rewarding. Yes, we have a strategy and a priority list, but the day to day is always changing. We are faced with new challenges every day whether it is a change in consumer behaviour due to inflationary pressures or a natural weather disaster. You must be resilient and agile.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Allow yourself to make mistakes, but learn from them.
Click here for the full list of 2024 Star Women in Grocery award winners.