What it does: Brews Australia’s most famous Beers and Ciders.
Staff stats: 1,300 employees across Australia.
The good bits: Culture of quick decision making, meritocracy.
The not so good bits: Old-fashioned incentive system.
Hiring grads with degrees in: Law & Legal Studies; Sciences; Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.
Carlton & United Breweries is one of Australia’s largest beverage providers and are known for some of their iconic brands, including: Victoria Bitter, Great Northern, Carlton Dry, Corona, and Strongbow Cider.
CUB was originally a collection of Victorian breweries who banded together to form the Society of Melbourne Brewers cartel in 1903. It was in 1907 that they adopted the name Australia knows today and became CUB. Since then, the company has undergone many different variations, as it both absorbed other breweries and itself has been acquired by major international players. The most recent of these changes was in July 2019, as Asahi announced their intention to purchase CUB from AB InBev for $16B.
Both internally and externally, CUB is a company that is built on innovation and always moving forward. This is something that is demonstrated by their continued development of new and exciting products, as well as their forward-thinking employee policies.
CUB strives to “treat all employees and candidates with dignity and respect” and creates “an inclusive culture where the difference is encouraged and all employees are genuinely appreciated for who they are and the unique skills, perspectives and talents”
CUB are firm believers of creating a ‘Better World’ and this idea is embedded into every decision they make. To help make this happen, CUB is committed to sustainability throughout their supply chain. As of 2020, the company is running on 100% purchased renewable energy and are making large stride in reducing their plastic use; most recently having removed plastic rings from their six-pack cans.
The CUB ‘Better World’ strategy is also apparent in their commitment to responsible drinking. CUB are firm supporters of DrinkWise and are currently fielding 25% of their portfolio as mid, low and non-alcoholic beverages.
Seeking to support Australians across the country, CUB have developed various initiatives aimed towards community development. In 2018, they stopped production of beer on their can line and instead began canning water. CUB has done this on numerous occasions since then and have used their logistical prowess to deliver these to communities suffering from floods, droughts and fires. They have also launched various fundraising efforts, such as ‘Let It Pour’, in support of Queensland during drought, as well as a fundraiser to support those affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires.
CUB offers four graduate programs.
For a generalist program that will see you journey through every aspect of the CUB business, there is the Graduate Management Trainee program. This program develops the graduate into a leader, whilst providing exposure and learnings from all departments as they begin a cross functional career with CUB.
The Supply Management Trainee program is ideal for those with an interest in how CUB brews and packages their beverages. Based out of their breweries, this program provides an end to end training on how the brewery is run, whilst also building your leadership skills.
For a more data driven individuals, CUB runs the Analytics Management Trainee program. This will see you move through the business as you develop data proficiencies and shape CUB’s analytics strategy for the years to come.
The final graduate program on offer is the Technology Management Trainee program. Graduates in this stream will help define the business solutions and transformation to further cement CUB as leader of the industry.
All of these streams are recruited through extensive processes that ensure that both CUB and you are the right fit for each other. These include online assessments, individual interviews and simulated business challenges.
CUB graduates and interns receive salaries that are at or above the industry average, along with an impressive list of perks and benefits. These include product allocations (free beer and cider), super schemes, subsidised travel arrangements, and much more.
CUB puts a lot of effort into developing their talent at the graduate level and are committed to continuing this after the initial year. Additionally, CUB graduates are chosen due to their potential for leadership; something that the company works hard to develop and test within the company.
At CUB, there is a lot of work put towards maintaining a high performing company whilst still balancing a casual and welcoming vibe. This comes through from the second you enter their offices. Jeans and tees are a far more common sight than the suit and tie; and there are frequent opportunities to socialise. Be it at the onsite bar or one of the many events planned, a strong emphasis is put on a social and smiling environment.
"At Carlton & United Breweries, we are known for our iconic brands: Victoria Bitter, Great Northern Brewing co, Carlton Dry… our beers are known across the country. However, for our customers and our consumers, we offer so much more.
We are the Lexington Hill Cocktail Club. We are Strongbow Cider. We are Riot Wines Co. We are CUB, and we are bigger than just a brewery. We have built a portfolio that extends to every occasion and every Australian.
Our business employs over 1,300 people across Australia, in roles that range from manufacturing to advertising - so you can always be sure that there is a place for you in our family. Moreover, we work hard to ensure that each and every one of our people can be proud to work at CUB.
Part of this pride stems from our commitment to building a better world. This dream is embedded into every action we take and is the foundation of our long-term strategy. Across the country, we are brewing by 100% purchased renewable energy. You can learn more about the work we are doing to create a better world here.
We are always looking for ways to dream big and reach new heights; our innovative ideas ensure we leave a legacy that we can be proud of. Every day we are building new brands, creating new business, and strengthening our community partnerships.
However, we understand that each person is unique in how they achieve their best results. That is why we encourage flexible working at CUB. Both during the hiring process as well as during employment, we urge all our people to hold open and honest communications about how we can best cater a working experience to suit them.
We support all people at CUB. We host various networks aimed at creating a more diverse and welcoming company. These include the Amber League and Pride At CUB, networks that respectively support our female and LGBT+ colleagues; whilst also educating the broader business on the importance of diversity. Ensuring that all our employees feel safe and free to be themselves will always be our priority.
We believe in a meritocracy at CUB, where the work you do is what matters - not how you went about doing it.
The bold determine the future…. And at CUB; we are bold.
We will shape the future."
Packaging Team Leader at Abbotsford Brewery at Carlton & United Breweries
Summer Intern at Carlton & United Breweries at Carlton & United Breweries