DAY IN THE LIFE OF…
Julie Pateman, Oporto
Q: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
JP: More often than not, the morning starts with going for a run. Whether at home in Brisbane or travelling interstate, I always pack the running gear!
Q: What time do you start work and where?
JP: I usually start at 7am answering emails and putting together my to do list for the day. I think it’s important to start the day with a clear focus on priorities and also begin with some quick wins to set you on the right path for the day.
Q: How do you manage your day?
JP: It may be a little old fashioned but I live by a ‘to do’ list. I find it helps me be the most efficient and productive. I even use one in my personal life!
Q: What are your responsibilities?
JP: Most importantly I’m responsible for the success of every franchisee in Queensland. When I first started in this role, Oporto CEO Craig Tozer and I set a five year plan to double the Oporto footprint in the state. To achieve that goal, all our current franchisees need to be successful and every future restaurant needs to be in the best position to succeed.
In addition we have recently rolled out a new customer experience model which has taken our restaurants from a traditional fast food model to a truly casual dining experience. I have led the retraining program for the state.
Q: What do you enjoy most about this role?
JP: I love working with people and mentoring franchisees and my team to be the best they can be. As Queensland is a developing market, I have the ability to push the boundaries, not only in marketing but also in-restaurant offerings. For instance, 50 per cent of our restaurants now offer alcoholic beverages with instore dining. Queensland is successfully leading the charge in this area which is another revenue stream for our franchisees.
Q: What are the biggest challenges in this job?
JP: Oporto is a growing brand here so we face challenges with brand awareness and consumer consideration. I come from Sydney where Oporto is entrenched and it still surprises me when customers aren’t aware of our famous Bondi Burger or Flame Grilled Chicken.
This is a challenge that we are overcoming through targeted marketing, social media, PR, events, sponsorship and our fabulous mini food truck ‘Sobre Rodas’..
Q: What is a typical day in the office?
JP: Every day is different, and I rarely visit the office. I’m usually out in the market visiting franchise partners in their restaurants, conducting new site evaluations, meeting with shopping centre management and marketing teams or meeting with local community groups or sports teams. I’m always looking for opportunities to promote the brand and participate in community events.
Q: How often are you travelling and why?
JP: I’m always on the road, either around Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast. Geographically we have a large area to cover in South East Queensland. Head office is in Sydney so there are times where I travel there to attend meetings.
I worked predominantly in an office for 10 years, so being out in the restaurants and in the community is a refreshing change and one that I absolutely enjoy.
Q: What’s the biggest motivator for you on a daily basis?
JP: There are two key motivators.
1. Working with our franchisees to improve their businesses and increase their weekly sales. Since moving here and working with franchisees I have seen a distinct change in motivation, enthusiasm, engagement and results – what a great motivator!
2. Though I’m based in Queensland we are an amazing national team – both head office team and franchisees alike. We all understand and support the brand goals, we work cohesively as a team and we are there to support each other always.
Q: What time do you finish working for the day?
JP: Usually I arrive home about 7pm. Oporto restaurants are open for dinner and late night so sometimes I’m out checking on dinner operations or doing mystery shops. When you love what you do, there are no boundaries of time.
Q: What’s the best thing about working at Oporto?
JP: Oporto really is like one big family, we call it La Familia. We truly support each other and offer encouragement and mentoring. Oporto offers many opportunities to grow professionally and stretch yourself and your personal goals.
I lived in Sydney for over 30 years and had not considered living anywhere else until I joined Oporto. Our CEO believed in my ability to drive positive change and offered me an opportunity to become the state manager and needless to say I have embraced the opportunity.
It didn’t take long to acclimatise to Queensland living - I love the weather, the friendly people and our amazing team of franchisees. They are the reason I get up each day.
What drives this Oporto Queensland state manager?