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.”

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Advertising feature produced by Canada’s Top 100 Employers, a division of Mediacorp Canada Inc. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.