Skip to main content

Working for CEQ

Our People

Uniqueness of CEQ

CEQ has an Indigenous Management Model which strives to have stores managed by local employees. To date 18 outlets have local staff managing their stores. 

CEQ prides itself on being an inclusive employer, of all the remote team members employed at CEQ, 90% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

CEQ has a strong development focus particularly for our store managers where:

  • Managers gain exposure by working at another retail outlet, followed by relief at other CEQ stores
  • Managers gain public recognition at our annual conference as the majority of managers partaking in this program have been awarded Store Manager of the Year
  • The creation of an Indigenous Mentor who guides staff and reinforces the CEQ way

Develop your Career Pathway with CEQ with training opportunities, cadetships and scholarships available, come join our team!

Our Culture

With our communities being so rich and diverse in culture, it has been important for CEQ to establish a flexible and unique culture of our own.

When we were managing only IBIS stores in the early 2010’s, our staff mantra “IBIS Time, Island Time” was introduced with great success, creating a line in the sand where IBIS culture became important while at work.

With the formation of the CEQ brand and creation of ABIS to service the Aboriginal community stores in 2016, Col Jones (with Sportspower & Betta), Mona’s Bazaar and TI Mitre 10 all located at Waibene also joined the CEQ group…

So it was time to rethink the previous approach.

‘Which Way, the CEQ Way’, was adopted in acceptance of all cultures, including the CEQ company culture was well embedded across the organisation.

Since then, in 2021, the CEQ Vision has evolved to become ‘Caring, every day, always’ a commitment to community and company which encompasses the authenticity behind CEQ’s brand intention.

CEQ conducts training at all our remote locations whether that be remotely from our support office in Cairns, or by visiting stores and engaging teams in face-to-face training sessions. Many of our team members either have or are being trained to attain national qualifications in retail, and CEQ delivers our own specialised training, including a five-series course for managers to build business acumen.

Safety is paramount in a retail environment, and this is no exception at CEQ. Along with safety training delivered during inductions, we have successfully engaged store staff through our Employee Agreement to Safety (EATS) program, where staff participate in a training session dedicated to safe work practices, and a commitment to maintaining a culture of safe work.

CEQ has program of training and audit in place, to ensure food safety standards are adhered to.

CEQ employs an Audit, Risk & Procurement Manager to ensure operational compliance across the organisation. CEQ has a responsibility to ensure that our stores are being managed responsibly and sustainably, and ensuring compliance with the organisation’s procedures and standards is a key part of maintaining these standards. This position will also oversee the environmental, social and governance aspects for CEQ.