Head of Procurement - Excellence & Operations

Coles; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Gym facility and parking

Team discounts

Recognition program mythanks

Career development programs

Job summary

Coles Group is seeking a senior leader to head Procurement Excellence & Operations in Australia. You will drive transformation across procurement governance and performance, strengthening third‑party risk management and technology-led improvements.

You will lead a capable team and partner with Finance, Risk and Legal to deliver strategic outcomes for customers and the business. The role requires deep procurement expertise, strong commercial judgement, and ability to influence senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior procurement leader responsible for transformation and governance.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience with third-party risk management and supplier governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex transformation programs across Procurement and the wider business.
• Strengthen third-party risk assessment and reassessment processes.
• Set clear procurement standards, governance and ways of working.
• Partner with Finance, Risk, Legal and Technology to influence decisions.
• Drive improvements across procurement systems, including SAP Ariba.
• Build, coach and lead a high-performing team.

Skills

Senior leadership

Procurement excellence

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Data & analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related

Tools

SAP Ariba

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

Head of Procurement - Excellence & Operations

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

Procurement supplies solutions. Coles Group is a top 30-listed ASX company with diverse needs from thousands of suppliers. Our team specialises in reducing cost and risk across our supply base. We partner with all areas of the business to develop and execute sourcing and contracting strategies that innovatively deliver sustainable value to our customers.

About the role

We're looking for a Head of Procurement -Excellence & Operations to lead meaningful transformation across Coles, strengthening procurement practices, governance and operational performance. Reporting to the General Manager Procurement, you'll turn strategy into practical improvements, with a strong focus on third-party risk management, technology and sustainable business outcomes. You'll lead a capable team and drive initiatives that make it easier for our people to deliver great outcomes for the business and our customers. You will also:

• Lead complex transformation programs across Procurement and the wider business, delivering measurable and lasting improvements.
• Strengthen third-party risk assessment and reassessment processes, ensuring controls are proportionate, practical and effective.
• Set clear procurement standards, governance and ways of working that improve compliance, efficiency and commercial outcomes.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Risk, Legal and Technology to influence decisions, manage change and deliver shared priorities.
• Drive improvements across procurement systems, including SAP Ariba, using data, automation and technology to simplify processes and realise benefits.
• Build, coach and lead a high-performing team, creating clear accountability, developing capability and supporting continuous improvement.

About you and your skills

You're an experienced procurement leader who combines deep technical expertise with a hands-on approach to delivering complex transformation and operational improvements. You'll bring strong commercial judgement, a collaborative leadership style and the ability to influence senior stakeholders, build high-performing teams and turn strategy into practical, lasting outcomes. You will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience across procurement excellence, operations or a centre-of-excellence environment, with a track record of leading complex transformation programs and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Deep procurement and commercial expertise across strategic sourcing, category management, supplier and contract management, negotiation, financial analysis and benefits realisation.
• Strong knowledge of procurement governance, third-party risk management and compliance frameworks, with experience improving controls, managing risk and strengthening operational performance.
• Experience leading complex service delivery models and driving continuous improvement, supported by strong financial acumen and the ability to translate initiatives into measurable business value.

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 @coles.com.au

Job ID:199516

Employment Type:Full time

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Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Supermarkets, Grocery & Petrol Retailing More than 10,000 employees

Coles is one of Australia’s leading retailers, with an extensive footprint of over 1,800 retail outlets nationally. We employ more than 115,000 team members, engage with more than 8,000 suppliers, and we welcome millions of customers through our store network and digital platforms every week.

We are one of Australia’s largest employers and our workforce includes in store, corporate, manufacturing, distribution, and fulfilment. Our team members reflect the diverse communities in which we operate and we strive to make Coles a great place to work.

Coles is one of Australia’s leading retailers, with an extensive footprint of over 1,800 retail outlets nationally. We employ more than 115,000 team members, engage with more than 8,000 suppliers, and we welcome millions of customers through our store network and digital platforms every week.

We are one of Australia’s largest employers and our workforce includes in store, corporate, manufacturing, distribution, and fulfilment. Our team members reflect the diverse communities in which we operate and we strive to make Coles a great place to work.

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