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For most travellers, the vibrant atmosphere of duty-free shopping after security screening is the first stop on an exciting...
Welcome to my world: Jodie Punshon, Commercial Manager
Not everyone gets to assist managing a $60 million project in their career, but that’s all in the line of work for Jodie Punshon, Commercial Manager at Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC).
Since joining BAC in 2018, Jodie has worked in a number of different roles including Assistant Asset Manager for the terminal retail upgrade project, which involved the evolution of the Domestic Terminal, including the upgrade of Qantas Food Court and new retail precinct.
Today, Jodie wears the title of Commercial Manager, overseeing the commercial and retail within the International Terminal and manages the development of the Yield Management Strategy for the parking business.
To find out more about her career progression and what she enjoys about working at BAC, Jodie gave us some insights into her world.
What encouraged you to apply for working at BAC in the first place?
I actually knew several people who worked here already and they really enjoyed their job, company and team culture – so I was encouraged to apply. Besides, I was intrigued. Who doesn’t want to be part of the airport? Tourism and aviation are unique industries where you get a lot of opportunities.
What do you like most about working at BAC?
It might sound cliché – but no two days are the same when you’re working at the airport, especially when you’re managing different parts of the business. It’s fast paced and dynamic.
Being part of the commercial team, I’m not stuck behind a desk – I can be out in the terminal meeting and collaborating with our internal and external stakeholders, operations, aviation, facilities, retailers and commercial partners.
What does a day in the life of your role look like?
The work is so varied – some days I could be working solidly on parking, then others I’m out supporting the retailers or engaging with internal stakeholders.
What would surprise most people about working for BAC?
People are surprised by how many people behind the scenes it takes to run an airport and how fast-paced the environment is.
I think travellers also underestimate the size of the airport and the scale of the retailers found in the Domestic Terminal.
Since so many passengers haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience the new Domestic Terminal due to Covid, they’re in for a treat when they next fly. The feedback has been great from people seeing it for the first time.
As a busy mum of two teenagers, how does BAC support you to work flexibly?
BAC has been great to offer a truly flexible work arrangement. I’m able to drop the kids off at school and pick them up in the afternoon and ferry them all over Brisbane to their sporting commitments, which has been invaluable.
Being able to work remotely has also meant I can then do what I need to do from home to catch up – without having to be physically in the office. I’ve certainly felt supported in both my career and being a busy mum.
What’s the team culture like at BAC?
From a team perspective, the airport really lives its culture with the four C’s (collaboration, communication, courage, and care) – with regular formal and informal check-ins with the management team to make sure everyone is happy and supported and to provide additional support when it’s needed.
More informally, we have monthly commercial team morning or afternoon teas and each group within BAC take turns to host a lunch. This gives everyone within the team and the business a chance to check in and catch up.
Beyond that, the business is really great at bringing in external speakers who focus on health, how to work more efficiently, investing in overall well-being, and loads more so it’s a very supportive environment.
If you could sum up what you love about working at BAC in a few words, what would they be?
I love the diversity of the role, the people who work here and the company culture.
If an occupational hazard is the travel bug, where are you off to next?
We have no hard and fast plans just yet, but we’re talking about Italy in December. Closer to home, we have Melbourne booked for the June / July holidays to see Harry Potter and the Cursed child with the kids.
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