Job Description

We’ve been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and have grown to become a top 30-listed company on the ASX with a portfolio of iconic homegrown brands. At the heart of our continued success is over 115,000 team members working across the country, all contributing to bringing our customers smiles. You’ll not only get to see your work make a difference, you’ll be part of a team working together to help Australians eat and live better every day.

About the team

Strategy is making the future of retail a reality. We’re a big business with big ideas. Our team works together with all our business units to help bring those ideas to life. We stay focused on what’s next, so we can make our customers’ experiences even better now and lead the industry for years to come.

About the role

As Head of Strategy, you’ll lead the thinking that shapes Coles Group’s long-term direction and turns complex opportunities into clear, actionable priorities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board to solve high-impact business problems, guide strategic decisions and deliver sustainable customer and commercial outcomes. This is a highly accountable role for someone who can operate independently, lead through ambiguity and bring cross-functional teams together around a shared path forward.

You will also:

• Lead enterprise strategy development, identifying growth opportunities and translating them into prioritised initiatives and delivery plans.
• Frame and solve complex, ambiguous business problems using rigorous analysis, commercial judgement and systems thinking.
• Lead cross-functional teams through strategic projects, building alignment and maintaining momentum across competing priorities.
• Develop clear, evidence-based recommendations and present compelling narratives to senior executives and the Board.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a strategic thought partner and challenging constructively when needed.
• Lead, coach and hold a high-performing strategy team accountable while building capability, engagement and customer focus.
  
  

About you and your skills

You’re an experienced strategy leader with the depth of thinking, judgement and presence gained at a top-tier management consulting firm (MBB) or in a comparable senior corporate strategy role. You’re customer-centric, commercially grounded and comfortable standing alone when required, while still bringing people together to deliver better outcomes.

You will have:

• Senior strategy experience gained in top-tier management consulting firm (MBB) or within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong exposure to consumer, retail or grocery environments, with a clear understanding of customer-led value creation.
• Demonstrated success leading complex strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams through ambiguity and change.
• Advanced problem-solving, financial analysis, scenario planning and commercial decision-making capability.
• The confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders through clear communicate, write Board-level reports, and lead complex strategic initiatives.

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working options: We know that work is only one part of your life, so we actively encourage a positive work-life balance and provide hybrid working options to help you achieve it.
• Office perks: Take advantage of our gym facility and fitness classes, free parking, BBQ area, mini-Coles supermarket, fooderie hub where you can sample new products before they hit the shelves, school holiday program and so much more when you come in.
• Discounts: Eligible team members receive 5% discount all year round on your Supermarket and Liquor online and in-store purchases. We also offer additional periods of double discount (10%) at various times throughout the year. As well as hotdeals exclusive to team members that translate into additional savings.
• Reward through recognition: Give and receive recognition, linked to our Coles values, through our digital recognition platform ‘mythanks’. You can accumulate points to redeem in the online shop for exciting gifts and electronic gift cards from an extensive range of retailers.
• Opportunities for learning and development: No matter where you start within our diverse business, you’ll have experiences, exposure, and education to satisfy you. Discover and explore a variety of career development programs and job-specific training.
• Paid parental leave: We understand how important your life outside work is and offer permanent team members paid parental leave to support you in balancing work and family.
• Investment in your future: Our annual team member share plan offer allows eligible team members to make regular pre-tax salary sacrifice deductions to purchase Coles Group shares.

About the recruitment process

We’re continuing to build a gender equitable team, and a culture that is just as diverse, inclusive and welcoming as the communities we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe and respectful for our team. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.

We’re happy to adjust our recruitment process to support candidates with disability. For further information and additional contact details visit the ‘Our Recruitment Process’ section of our careers site or email inclusionrecruitment@coles.com.au

Job ID: 191354

Employment Type: Full time

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