“Nando’s is not just about chicken. Sure, that’s a big part of it, but it’s all about the people who make the chicken!”
In one of our most exciting interviews to date, Katie from Nando’s shares just how far a career in grilling can really take you (spoiler alert: it can take you to Botswana!)
After starting out as a Nandoca, or team member, around six years ago, Katie began working her way up the ranks and now occupies the role of assistant manager (or Assistant Patrão as Nando’s likes to call it)! The best part is that’s not all! Her career with Nando’s has seen her travelling all around the world, competing in the Master Griller competition, and upskilling every step of the way!
Tune into our latest interview as Katie shares her expert insight into:
- Successfully navigating your career journey
- All the best bits about working with the Nando’s family
- How her role with Nando’s has challenged her ideas about the hospitality industry
- The way that Nando’s prioritises growth within the company
- And much, much more!
Find Out More
With over 1,200 restaurants across 30 countries, it’s no exaggeration to call Nando’s a true global staple in the chicken industry! What’s more, their values and principles are also super inspiring (so if the delicious chicken doesn’t sell you, their company ethos likely will).
‘Changing Lives, Together’ is how Nando’s describes their global purpose, which pertains to changing the world around us by making a real difference in the lives of others. This mission starts with their team because, as the Nando’s puts it, “when they’re being their best, brilliant selves, epic things happen.”
To start your inspiring journey with other passionate Nandocas, head over to their employer profile today and take that first step!
Video Transcript
It might surprise people to know that Nando’s is not just about chicken. Sure, that’s a big part of it, but it’s all about the people who make the chicken.
Hi, my name is Katie, and I’m an Assistant Restaurant Manager, or Assistant Patrao, as Nando’s calls it.
I started at Nando’s around six years ago. I began as a Nandoca or team member, worked my way up to Buddy Trainer, then to Shift Leader, and now I’m an Assistant Patrao.
Some of my favourite aspects about working for Nando’s is that it’s truly a people-first company. All of our Nandocas share core values of passion, pride, integrity, courage, and family, and I can honestly say that all of us live and breathe these values every single day.
I had the amazing opportunity to represent Australia in a competition called Master Griller, where Nandocas from all over the world put their skills on the grill to the test. I travelled to Malaysia and competed against the best of the best and was crowned the International Master Griller. Now I get to do it all again this year in Botswana, but this time as a tasting judge.
This experience has heavily challenged my preconceptions about working in hospitality. I never would have thought that I would get so many amazing opportunities working in this industry, especially starting off as a part-time employee. I didn’t think I would learn so many skills and behaviours that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.
I wish more young people knew that Nando’s is all about growth within the company. We offer an 8-week training programme called Bright Futures for Nandocas or external hires who wish to step up into management positions.
If I could go back to my younger high school self, I would tell them to take every single opportunity. If it’s good, then great; if it’s bad, then it’s a learning curve. I think that’s how we all grow as individuals—by experiencing things and figuring things out as we go.
