This International Women’s Day on 8 March, we profile remarkable women succeeding in leadership and franchisee roles at leading parcel delivery company CouriersPlease.
With a 40-year heritage, CouriersPlease has prided itself on a supportive culture, diverse team and, particular, a high-performing female workforce. The company’s senior leadership team alone comprises 62 per cent women, an increase from the 50 per cent that represented the team in early 2022.
CouriersPlease is particularly proud of its franchisee network of small business owners, the backbone of the company, many of which are women who are kicking goals in a traditionally male industry. Across its operational roles, female Franchise Territory Managers are also well-represented – more than a third (36 per cent) of those who hold such roles at CouriersPlease are women, an incredible feat for the industry. These roles work directly with Franchise Partners, working alongside them, as well as supporting and overseeing them.
Chief Operating Officer Janine Zammit, who was appointed to the role in October 2022, has a more than 20-year track record in driving success and sustainable growth for companies in the finance and logistics industries. Janine has extensive experience in senior leadership, operational excellence and strategic planning roles. In her previous positions at Commonwealth Bank, Citibank and Prosegur, she led the companies through transformational change, innovation and expansion into new markets. In her Sydney-based role at CouriersPlease, Ms Zammit brings her experience in leading large teams and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and create a seamless experience for customers and employees. She is also driving the company’s commitment to sustainability and seek opportunities for its Franchise Partners to grow profitable businesses.
Ms Zammit says the support and nurturing of women is inherent in CouriersPlease’s culture. “A dedication to bringing and supporting women in the industry permeates across our company and starts at the top with our senior leadership team. Thanks to our hardworking staff and support from our CEOs, past and present, women are present in every facet of the company which, in turn, encourages other women to enter the industry and build their career.”
Shannon Menzies is one of CouriersPlease’s longest-serving team members, having joined the company as a relief driver nearly two decades ago, before starting her business as a franchise partner 13 years ago. “I’ve been in the transport and logistics industry for my entire career, as I love of driving, physically active work and the outdoors. I also love connecting with people in the community I service, and building strong relationships.”
Since starting as a franchise partner, Ms Menzies has maintained her run in Brisbane’s Salisbury and Robertson as a one-woman business, and completes more than 100 daily deliveries to industrial, commercial and residential areas. She delivers on behalf of small businesses and large corporations, such as Kmart, and family-owned national business Richmond Wheels.
Ms Menzies is a proud mother of two and will welcome a third child to her family this year. Before then, she will continue going door-to-door to onboard new business customers, an activity she has engaged and seen much success in since starting her business with CouriersPlease.
Brisbane-based Franchise Territory Manager Jasmin Ginn manages a fleet of 28 franchise partners and depot staff. Ms Ginn joined the company more than a decade ago as a customer service agent, before rising through the ranks to become one of its most dedicated and successful Franchise Territory Managers in 2017. In her role, Ms Ginn ensures her franchise partners can build and maintain successful businesses and her depot team work efficiently and safely, offering additional support wherever possible.
Ms Ginn has achieved numerous success in her role, including being awarded Singapore Post Best Ambassador of the Year in 2019, and is proud of the experience, knowledge and friendships she has built along the way. Another achievement Jasmin takes great pride in is her three children.
Adelaide-based franchise partner Carolyn Van DeLeur joined CouriersPlease as a relief driver five years ago, before purchasing her first territory as a franchise partner in 2021. Before joining the industry, Ms Van DeLeur has enjoyed an eclectic career. “I love giving anything a go, and I give 100 per cent to everything I set my mind to. Before CouriersPlease, I worked in hospitality for 10 years, ran a deli for seven, owned a caravan park, and ran a tennis centre. I was drawn to CouriersPlease by my love of the outdoors and I absolutely love my job as a Franchise Partner. My ultimate goal is to continue doing this until I retire.”
Since starting her business, Ms Van DeLeur has seen an exponential growth in parcel volumes and now delivers to 140-190 customers a day across several Adelaide suburbs, including Blakeview, Evanston South and Elizabeth. She takes great pride in her work, forging close connections and relationships with her customers, many of which are small businesses, and maintaining a strong, steady revenue over the last two years.
Ms Van DeLeur has also faced some challenges, after navigating a cancer diagnosis. However, thanks to her strong character, positive outlook and the support and reassurance of the leaders and depot staff at CouriersPlease, she was able to return to her franchise and continue building her business.
Hannah Dunlop, is Head of People and Culture, recently taking up the role permanently after more than two years at the company as a Human Resources Business Partner and then taking up the role of Acting Head of People and Culture. Ms Dunlop has been in the transport and logistics industry for her entire career and is the youngest team member at CouriersPlease to hold a senior leadership position, at age 28. In her role, Ms Dunlop leads a team of four and last year was instrumental in hiring women in key roles, supporting the company’s CEO to find key talent.
Ms Dunlop says: “Throughout my career at CouriersPlease, I’ve also helped initiate programs that have equally benefitted both men and women, including our graduate program in 2021. I designed and implemented the program, which saw two operational graduates join the team, both of which remain in permanent positions at the company. I was also involved in the launch of our company intranet, One Place, which contains valuable resources and information for our staff, including a Mental Health Hub, with key advice to keep employees happy and healthy.”
This year, Ms Dunlop will also play a key role in implementing a learning management system, an online platform that will provide key information and advice to franchise partners, encouraging them to invest in their own self-development and upskilling.
Ms Dunlop grew her profile as a key industry and HR thought leader, delivering presentations at two Franchise Council of Australia events in 2022, including a panel on recruitment at the Victoria Chapter Breakfast and a panel on upskilling and building a learning culture at the Franchising and Small Business Summit.