Experienced chef and culinary author Craig Rodger has flourished under PAK’nSAVE Papanui’s commitment to employee growth and development.
After a decade in the restaurant industry, working in fine dining, recipe development, and co-authoring six cookbooks, Rodger has embraced a new path at PAK'nSAVE and an ambition to become a store owner.
With a young family, Rodger was focused on better work-life balance and family-friendly hours. When owner-operator Bryan Walker offered him the position of store deli manager at a family wedding, he gladly accepted and moved to Christchurch.
Over the past five years, Rodger has excelled in various managerial roles at PAK'nSAVE Papanui, gaining valuable experience in departments including seafood, bakery, fresh foods, and now, as Dry Goods Manager.
Owner-operators Bryan Walker and Lucy Boock have supported his passion for mentorship and continuous improvement. They have invested in their team with ongoing training and development and have cultivated a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and a customer-first mindset.
"PAK'nSAVE Papanui has provided an incredible platform for my career. The leadership and mentorship here are outstanding,” said Rodger.
“I appreciate the support I’ve received to experiment, lead, and grow while maintaining a strong work-life balance. It’s an inspiring environment where I feel empowered to improve. It’s also great to take my two daughters to school in the mornings – having that flexibility makes such a difference.”
The store has a strong culture of supporting and investing in people who show potential.
“We’ve both had the same guidance and support to grow our careers. We’ve put in the hard yards, gained the experience and taken all the steps required to own our store,” said Walker.
“As a family-owned business, it’s a priority for us to look after our team and pass that same work ethic, knowledge and support on to others so they can reach their potential and achieve their goals.”
Rodger recently completed a leadership management course as part of the Foodstuffs South Island Learning and Development Programme. This achievement demonstrated his commitment to personal development and provided a pathway to his long-term goal of store ownership.
Before joining PAK'nSAVE, Rodger was a recipe developer for My Food Bag, contributing to Fresh Start recipes. He opened the keto restaurant Loop in Auckland in 2014, drawing from his fine dining background, which included roles in Michelin-starred Glenapp Castle in Scotland and high-end establishments in London.
As he reflected on his journey from chef to supermarket manager, Rodger was grateful for the opportunities and support PAK'nSAVE Papanui has provided.
"This workplace encourages you to take on challenges, grow professionally, and work toward goals. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and owning my own store one day."
