Responsible Sourcing Manager, Packaging

Ranchero; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Gym facility

Free parking

Staff discounts on groceries

Paid parental leave

Employee share plan

Job summary

Coles Group is seeking a strategic Responsible Sourcing Manager to drive the development and execution of our Own Brand responsible packaging agenda. You will lead governance programs, shape policy, and collaborate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to align with evolving sustainability requirements.

You will establish governance frameworks, oversee packaging strategies, and influence outcomes across our Own Brand portfolio while delivering continuous improvements in a

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Sustainability, Engineering, Science, Packaging or a related discipline.
• Experience in packaging, sustainability, responsible sourcing or circular economy initiatives.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, packaging organisations, industry bodies or consulting environments.
• Proven experience developing and implementing packaging, sustainability or governance strategies.
• Expertise in policy development, governance frameworks and compliance programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multiple levels.
• Proven project and program management experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a complex business environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and execution of responsible packaging strategies and governance.
• Lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Collaborate with suppliers, regulators and industry bodies.
• Establish governance frameworks and policy for packaging sustainability.
• Monitor performance, report progress and identify improvement opportunities.
• Coach and mentor team members on packaging sustainability requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Policy development

Governance

Compliance programs

Education

Tertiary qualification in Sustainability, Engineering, Science, Packaging or related discipline

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

From baby food to coffee blends, our team members use their passion and innovative thinking to develop and deliver Coles’ own brands of quality products and best value solutions for our customers.

About the role

At Coles, we’re committed to creating a more sustainable future for our customers, communities and planet. We’re looking for a strategic and influential Responsible Sourcing Manager to drive the development and execution of our Own Brand responsible packaging agenda.

Working within our Responsible Sourcing, Health & Nutrition team, you’ll play a critical role in establishing governance frameworks, shaping policy, influencing stakeholders, and delivering programs that support our sustainability commitments and packaging targets.

You will lead the development and implementation of responsible packaging strategies, policies and governance programs across our Own Brand portfolio. You’ll also collaborate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, to influence outcomes and ensure our packaging initiatives align with evolving sustainability requirements and industry expectations.

This is a unique opportunity to combine your packaging expertise with strategic leadership, helping to drive meaningful change across a complex retail environment.

You’ll also:

• Drive compliance with industry commitments and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, government agencies, regulators and industry bodies.
• Provide strategic advice on packaging sustainability and governance matters.
• Lead cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• Monitor performance, reporting progress and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor team members on packaging sustainability and governance requirements.

About you and your skills

You're a commercially minded and strategic leader who understands how to navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive change through influence. While you bring solid packaging experience, your real strength lies in your ability to translate technical concepts into practical strategies, governance frameworks and business outcomes.

You are comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, bringing together diverse stakeholders to deliver sustainable solutions that create lasting impact.

You'll also bring:

• Tertiary qualification in Sustainability, Engineering, Science, Packaging or a related discipline.
• A background in packaging, sustainability, responsible sourcing or circular economy initiatives.
• Experience working within retail, FMCG, packaging organisations, industry bodies or consulting environments.
• Proven experience developing and implementing packaging, sustainability or governance strategies.
• Expertise in policy development, governance frameworks and compliance programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multiple levels.
• Proven project and program management experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a complex business environment.

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]

Employment Type: Full time