2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Jill Cutajar

Manager, network development & facilities    

Canadian Tire Gas+

How did you get into the business?

In 2009, I started at Canadian Tire as a market analyst in the real estate department. A year later, I joined the company’s Gas+ Petroleum division. I immediately fell in love with my new role and knew I made the right decision.  

What are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months? 

In November, Canadian Tire Gas+ opened its newest ONroute highway fueling location in Newcastle—our 21^st highway location in Ontario. With our partner ONroute and our contractor EllisDon, we renovated and reopened this site in six months. I also enjoyed supporting the launch of Canadian Tire Corporation’s loyalty partnership between its Triangle Rewards and Petro-Canada’s Petro-Points, enabling customers to link their loyalty accounts to earn more rewards fast.

What do you like most about your job?

I love that my job has both a business and field component. One day, I can be in a meeting discussing budgets and projects, and the next I’ll be on the road visiting sites and meeting with our retailers. Each day is different and unique.  

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

Finding the right balance between my career and family. I recently became a mother and at the same time, I received a promotion in Canadian Tire Gas+ and became the manager of Network Development & Facilities. As a result, I’ve had to work hard to be active and present for both my teams—Canadian Tire and my family.   

Career highlight/biggest achievement?

In 2017, I had the privilege of being part of the team that spearheaded the electric vehicle project at Canadian Tire. This was not an individual achievement, but a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, we worked with several individuals and teams in the company to secure funding from the Federal Government. This enabled us to roll out the necessary infrastructure at some of our Canadian Tire Gas+ stations and retail stores.  The experience was truly humbling, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project.