Inside Sydney South: Sarah Martin

Sarah Martin’s journey in the automotive industry has been a thrilling yet rewarding ride. With hard work and an unwavering commitment to Porsche Centre Sydney South, she has worked her way up from an apprenticeship to Assistant Parts Manager.?

If you’d told Sarah as a kid that she’d end?up working for one of the world’s most prestigious sportscar brands, she wouldn’t have believed you. Growing up, Ford vs Holden was always a common topic at the family dinner table, as were cars in general. All throughout Sarah’s?schooling years, her fondness for the automotive world evolved into a strong personal passion, which she eventually turned into a career. Fast forward 15 years, Sarah is considered a valuable asset as the Assistant Parts Manager at Porsche Centre Sydney South.?

Since Sarah joined the team at Porsche Centre Sydney South, the Parts Department has seen significant growth year on year. With her dedication and expertise, the department has doubled in size and continues to provide exceptional service to clients. Sarah's day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing a team of six and ensuring the smooth operations of the centre's incoming stock deliveries and outgoing trade deliveries.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished as a team so far," Sarah remarks. "Our commitment to excellence has allowed us to build strong relationships with our clients and contribute to the success of the forever growing dealership."

And while Sarah firmly believes that the automotive industry has become more inclusive throughout her time, there’s still no denying that it’s one, largely dominated by men: Sarah is currently the only woman working in Porsche Sydney South’s Parts Department and was once told she was the first female parts interpreter the brand had seen in Australia. “That’s my claim to fame,” she laughs.

Although Sarah’s role isn’t customer-facing in the literal sense, for her it’s still working with Porsche customers that motivates her daily. “The enthusiasm Porsche customers have for the brand is just infectious,” she gushes. “The design and engineering that goes into making these cars is unbelievable – and Porsche enthusiasts know it.”

Ultimately, it’s helping to fulfill someone else’s dream that really drives her.

“I’ve had repeat customers for many years now,” Sarah explains. “They’ve been slowly collecting bits and pieces for their original cars, and then one day they finally bring it in to show me the finished product. To know that you played a part in that process… it’s something very special.”

As for her own tastes, Sarah confesses that, while she’s “certainly partial to a 993”, a Cayman would be her car of choice, citing the model’s balanced handling as what gets them over the line for her.

Does that mean she’s making space for one in her driveway? Well, not quite. While Sarah and her partner may have had 15 cars in the years they’ve been together, they’re currently preoccupied with other, more pressing matters – like trailing around after their 18-month-old daughter, Riley.

And yes, if you must know, Riley already has her very own Porsche. “I put her in it every afternoon and send her out to her dad, who takes her for a spin,” Sarah laughs. “It’s their thing.”

For Sarah, returning to work after 12 months maternity leave has admittedly been a big shift. “Becoming a parent for the first time changes your priorities,” she notes. “You really come to value a work-life balance, but it’s also a huge motivating factor, professionally speaking. I want to show my daughter that her mum can be someone in the automotive industry. I want to go as far as I can.”