Mitchell, 25, is the Chilled Foods Manager at New World Motueka, overseeing the dairy, frozen section, and specialty cheeses. His role includes purchasing, liaising with company representatives, managing staff, handling inventory, and ensuring everything is up to date and ready for customers.
During high school, Mitchell aspired to join the Defence Force, specifically the Navy, with the goal of becoming a warfare officer. His backup plan was to pursue a similar role as an Army officer. However, a type of asthma prevented him from enlisting due to the risks associated with deployment. With no alternative plan and board to pay, he applied for a job as a freezer boy at the local supermarket. His dedication and hard work led to a promotion to Assistant Grocery Manager, a stepping stone that ultimately allowed him to become a full department manager.
Mitchell has learned 100% of his role on the job. He has been fortunate to work under experienced store owners who invest in internal development, helping their team grow into leadership positions. Foodstuffs also offers a leadership and management academy, providing a potential pathway for Mitchell to one day own his own New World store.
No two days are the same in his role. Coordinating multiple moving parts—such as ensuring stock arrives from Auckland within days and making sure shelves remain fully stocked—requires careful planning and problem-solving.
Early in Mitchell’s role as Assistant Grocery Manager one of the biggest challenges was managing employees older than himself. Learning to navigate different personalities and build strong relationships with his team was key. He has taken this learning into the Chilled Foods department and today he leads a fantastic team that makes his job easier.
Staffing is often the biggest challenge in management, but once a solid team is in place and well-trained, it becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Mitchell commented that his current team is fantastic, they execute daily tasks to a high standard and they are a pleasure to work with
Customer service is a part of the role Mitchell enjoys most, along with logistics—ensuring customers get what they need when they need it. Whether it’s organizing a special cheese to arrive overnight for an event or keeping essential products in stock, he takes pride in meeting customer needs.
Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys everything the Nelson Tasman region has to offer. Within an hour from home, he has access to the coast, tramping trails, martial arts, and cinemas—everything he enjoys, right at his doorstep.
