Student Jobs at Big W

Big W Job Application for Students

Like any large department store, Big W is always looking for casual, temporary and part-time workers, which it often obtains from Australia's student population.

Big W employer info

• Size: One of Australia's largest discount department stores ($4 billion turnover in 2017.)
• Number of locations: 183 stores.
• Number of employees: ~22,000.

What casual positions do Big W offer?

1. Checkout Operator/Attendant

As a Big W checkout operator/attendant you'll be in one of the company's most customer-facing roles, which means it'll be your job to ensure every customer has an excellent experience. You'll be tasked with either operating a checkout or offering assistance at the store's self-serve checkouts. No experience is needed, although you'll need to be comfortable with handling cash, interacting with customers and enforcing rules regarding age-restricted goods.

2. Shop assistant

A role that can encompass a diverse range of tasks, a shop assistant may be asked to do any or all of the following: assist customers, check bags, restock shelves, operate the checkout, manage merchandising and stocktake. This is an entry-level role that doesn't require any retail experience, but being bubbly and helpful is a major plus.

3. Storeperson/Forklift Operator

Tasked with receiving stock and dispatching deliveries, the warehouse attached to every Big W is the territory of the storeperson. Here you'll use a computerised system to ensure the store receives and dispatches everything that it should. Attention to detail and physical fitness are valuable traits, and depending on the role a forklift licence may be necessary.

4. Fill Leader

A fill leader is a management role responsible for ensuring shelves, racks and repositories are clean, organised and fully stocked. You'll generally be in command of a team of shop assistants, and will be asked to work within a timeframe and budget. Retail experience is a must, and leadership and people skills are highly valued.

5. Softgoods Leader

Like a fill leader, a softgoods leader will be in charge of the presentation and management of the store, this time specifically in the softgoods (linen, clothing and other textiles) section. You'll be in charge of a small team, ensuring that everything is stocked and well organised. A softgoods leader must bring previous retail experience and a passion for customer service.

How do I get a job at Big W?

Big W advertises its open positions on the Woolworths Group careers site, WOW Careers. By filtering job title, location, expertise and other fields you can search an up to date list of all roles that are currently available.

Like many retail outlets, Big W enjoys consistent business throughout the year before a notable spike around Christmas time. This coincides with the end of the school/uni year, so many students find temporary employment over this busy period.

With around 22,000 team members, Big W is one of Australia's biggest employers of casual workers, so there'll always be opportunities to join the team.

What is the average pay for a Big W casual worker?

According to PayScale, the average hourly pay at Big W is $20.92 an hour.

Big W generally pays the retail award, a rate that fluctuates depending on the worker and role in question. As of June 2020 the award rate for a 15-year-old casual retail worker (retail level 1) was $12.04 per hour, while the rate for the same worker at age 21 was $26.76. You can calculate your award rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator.

The perks of working at Big W

There are a number of perks that Big W offers its employees. Depending on your store and your role, you may be offered:

1. Flexible work arrangements
2. A Woolworths Group discount card 
3. Exclusive offers on insurance and financial products
4. Support with wellbeing, health, and fitness

How old do you have to be to work at Big W?

Generally, Big W will employ staff from the age of 15. However, check with the official Big W website for their latest employment guidelines and hiring age.