Head of Fresh Produce Innovation & Integrated Planning

The Coles Group; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Gym & parking on site

Coles discounts

Recognition program

Career development

Paid parental leave

Employee share plan

Job summary

The Coles Group in Melbourne seeks a seasoned transformation leader to own the commercial delivery of our Fresh Produce transformation. You will turn strategy into action across Commercial, Stores and Supply Chain, driving milestones and outcomes with senior leadership visibility.

You will lead multiple workstreams, influence stakeholders, and maintain governance and reporting while keeping delivery on track. Regular store engagement and interstate travel are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Strong end‑to‑end transformation or program delivery experience.
• Commercial acumen and an understanding of complex operational environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Strong governance, planning and executive reporting capability.
• An organised, proactive and action‑oriented approach.
• The ability to maintain line of sight across multiple interconnected workstreams.
• Experience leading teams and delivering outcomes through influence.

Responsibilities

• Leading the end‑to‑end commercial delivery of the Fresh Produce transformation program.
• Bringing together multiple workstreams and stakeholders across Commercial, Stores and Supply Chain.
• Leading sponsor sessions, Steering Committees and senior leadership reporting.
• Maintaining clear visibility of progress, risks, dependencies and key decisions.
• Identifying roadblocks early and driving action to keep delivery on track.
• Leading a team across Commercial, Supplier Engagement and Risk & Compliance.
• Building strong relationships across the Coles network and influencing outcomes beyond your direct team.
• Staying connected to operational delivery through regular store engagement.

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

Our Commercial team is a large, but a close-knit group of trading experts, who are ready to shape the future of Coles. We pride ourselves on the long‑lasting supplier relationships we build, the new ideas we develop and how passionately we work to help Australian eat and live better every day. And the best part? We’re all so different. We bring diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experience to every Business Unit across Coles Supermarkets and Liquor.

About The Role

You’ll lead the commercial aspects of the Fresh Produce transformation, creating clarity across priorities, milestones and outcomes while ensuring teams remain focused on delivery.

• Leading the end‑to‑end commercial delivery of the Fresh Produce transformation program
• Bringing together multiple workstreams and stakeholders across Commercial, Stores and Supply Chain
• Leading sponsor sessions, Steering Committees and senior leadership reporting
• Maintaining clear visibility of progress, risks, dependencies and key decisions
• Identifying roadblocks early and driving action to keep delivery on track
• Leading a team across Commercial, Supplier Engagement and Risk & Compliance
• Building strong relationships across the Coles network and influencing outcomes beyond your direct team
• Staying connected to operational delivery through regular store engagement

About You

You’re an experienced transformation, program or commercial leader who knows how to turn strategy into action within a large, complex organisation.

• Strong end‑to‑end transformation or program delivery experience
• Commercial acumen and an understanding of complex operational environments
• Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence senior leaders
• Strong governance, planning and executive reporting capability
• An organised, proactive and action‑oriented approach
• The ability to maintain line of sight across multiple interconnected workstreams
• Experience leading teams and delivering outcomes through influence
• The ability to move comfortably between strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery

Fresh Produce experience isn’t essential. We’re open to leaders from retail, Fresh, operations, supply chain or other complex commercial environments who bring strong transformation and delivery capability.

This Melbourne‑based role will include regular engagement with our store network and some interstate travel.

Why Coles?

This is an opportunity to lead a strategically important transformation with significant visibility across Coles Group. You’ll work with senior leaders across the organisation and help shape the future of our Fresh Produce business, delivering better outcomes for our customers, suppliers and teams.

Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 23 59PM

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 [e-mail]

Job ID 199165

Employment Type Full time