From its humble beginnings in a Western Sydney garage, Jaybro Group has evolved into an industry leader by staying true to one powerful belief: growth is not just about the bottom line, it’s about empowering people to reach their fullest potential. Founded in 1996 with the vision to disrupt and modernize the outdated supply chain in the infrastructure sector, Jaybro has since expanded its footprint across Australia and New Zealand – significantly increasing its workforce by nearly a third each year since 2022. This success is not just driven by strategic acquisitions and organic growth but by a fundamental, people-first approach that shapes both the company’s culture and its long-term achievements.
A People-First Approach to Growth
Jaybro Group’s “We Grow Together” employee value proposition (EVP) ensures that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to something bigger. By meeting employees where they are—whether through financial literacy programs, internal career pathways, or investing in a strong talent pipeline—Jaybro Group continues to create opportunities for growth at every level.
This people-first approach has made Jaybro Group one of Australia’s Best Workplaces and Best Workplaces for Women for consecutive years. As the company expands, it remains focused on fostering a workplace where every team member has a stake in its success—building not just a business, but a thriving community.
Building Career Pathways For All
At the heart of Jaybro Group’s employee development strategy is the JayGROW Capability Framework, a forward-thinking program that aligns employee growth with the evolving needs of the business. Launched in 2022 and refined through continuous feedback, JayGROW maps out career journeys for each team member, providing clear pathways in various functions or moving through to three levels of leadership or diversifying with cross-department mobility. The pathway is available for all to create their own career journey.
Since its introduction, the framework has been instrumental in creating a workforce that is not only skilled but agile, adaptable, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Structured learning opportunities, such as financial literacy training and leadership development programs, ensure that employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to the business’s continued success. Over 125 leaders have benefited from the newly redesigned Leadership Development Program, which has led to measurable improvements in leadership performance, with nearly 100% of employees consistently saying they have confidence in the executive.
Learning Culture at Jaybro Group: Building a Future Together
Jaybro Group fosters a growth mindset and a strong learning culture under the motto “We Grow Together.” As the business doubled its head count in two years to nearly 500 in 2024, the company has expanded its Learning & Development initiatives, embedding successful programs like financial literacy training and leadership development into the business. Through the introduction of a Learning Management System, the company has increased access to a wide range of learning resources, enabling employees to upskill and broaden their expertise.
This commitment to learning has led to impressive outcomes, with financial literacy training becoming a core part of onboarding for all new hires and refresher sessions available to keep knowledge up-to-date. This training is designed to help employees grasp the critical numbers that drive the business, empowering them to make informed decisions that contribute to overall growth. Employees now have a better understanding of the critical financial drivers behind the company’s success—empowering them to make informed decisions that contribute to both their personal growth and the overall success of the business. By cultivating this understanding across all levels of the company, Jaybro Group ensures that each employee has a stake in the business’s growth, leading to a more engaged, accountable, and motivated workforce. This has attributed to the business being able to retain its talent, with the Group’s average retention rate of 87%, amidst industry’s high attrition and continued talent shortage challenges[i].
Their ability to make us all feel valued, to treat me as a person and not just a number and make the team feel more like family has allowed me to feel 100% invested in the success and everyday running of the business.
Low staff turnover means great work relationships are fostered.
Skin in the Game: Profit Share and Benefits
One of the most powerful ways Jaybro Group fosters a sense of ownership among its employees is through its “Skin in the Game” approach. This includes a profit-sharing model that directly links company performance to individual rewards, creating a culture of shared success. This initiative is supported by Jaybro Group’s Rewards and Recognition program, using Bonusly, an employee recognition and rewards platform which has seen significant participation since its launch in 2019. By 2024, employee engagement with the program saw a 14% surge from 74% in 2020 to 88% in 2024, far surpassing industry benchmarks[ii].
In 2024 alone, employees posted an impressive 7,278 recognition messages, reflecting the strength of Jaybro Group’s culture of gratitude and acknowledgement. The program has proven especially valuable during periods of company growth, such as acquisitions, where it has been integral in helping new team members feel connected to Jaybro Group’s mission and values. For example, 91.5% of employees from a newly acquired entity were actively engaging with the program within just a few months, demonstrating the powerful role recognition plays in driving alignment and fostering connection.
Open book management & providing opportunities for youth through work experience and Migas Apprenticeships
Everyone is truly equal, their approach to open book management is not one I’ve seen anywhere before. Also, for me in my position I have complete autonomy to just get on with things without all the unnecessary red tape you experience at most other organisations of a similar size
… being so transparent about financial performance is something that I have never experienced before. It brings all staff members together to achieve a common goal. It is refreshing to work in an organisation where business units are actively helping each other out for the common good of the group.
Growth Beyond Business: Impacting the Community
Jaybro Group’s commitment to growth extends beyond its own walls and into the wider community. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like Raise Foundation, Clontarf, and MIGAS, Jaybro Group not only supports the development of its employees but also contributes to positive social change. These programs offer employees opportunities to engage in mentorship, workplace giving, and leadership development, enhancing their personal and professional capabilities while also making a tangible impact on the lives of others.
The company’s partnership with Raise Foundation, for instance, has empowered employees to engage in meaningful corporate volunteering, mentoring, and industry immersion initiatives that have provided young people with the skills and guidance they need to build successful futures. These opportunities foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose, ensuring that Jaybro Group’s impact is felt far beyond its business operations.
A Future of Shared Success
Jaybro Group’s dedication to growth—both for its business and its people—is a testament to the power of a people-centered approach. The company’s investments in employee development, leadership programs, and recognition initiatives have not only created a thriving, engaged workforce but have also contributed directly to the company’s expansion across Australia and New Zealand.
The JayGROW Capability Framework and We Grow Together EVP embody the Group’s belief that true success lies in the empowerment of people. As the business continues to grow, this commitment to fostering both individual and business growth will remain at the core of its strategy. By investing in people, Jaybro Group isn’t just building a business—it’s building a future of shared success, where everyone wins.
Our People Are Our Difference
Since being officially certified as a great workplace by the Global Authority, Great Place to Work® in 2021 Jaybro Group has also been recognised as one of Australia’s Best Workplaces for four consecutive years (2022 – 2024) and featured on the Australia’s Best Workplaces™ for Women in 2023 and 2025. These accolades are based on anonymous employee feedback provided in a questionnaire on the benefits, culture, sustainability, gender diversity, inclusion and other key components.
“I love being a part of Jaybro’s growth journey and watching people grow as individuals and in their careers.”
Alison Passy, Chief People Officer
