Assistant Design Development Manager

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

Store Development is redefining retail design. Our team is constantly challenging possibilities. We work with innovative formats and concepts to connect with customers and enhance their in-store experiences, no matter the size or layout of our stores.

About the role

We’re seeking a technically capable Assistant Design Development Manager to help shape the future of our supermarket network. Positioned at the forefront of store design, this role supports new developments, extensions, and major renewals across our portfolio, translating business requirements into smart, efficient, and commercially sound design outcomes.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the delivery of new supermarket and liquor store developments, applying your technical expertise to achieve high-quality outcomes, particularly across greenfield and simpler format projects. You’ll ensure each store is practical, scalable, and aligned with our evolving formats and standards. Your input will be key in driving consistency, optimisation, and design excellence across our network.

You’ll also:

• Support the design, scoping and costing of supermarket development projects
• Develop concept plans through to construction documentation, ensuring design intent is maintained
• Apply strong technical and architectural knowledge to optimise layouts, functionality, and efficiency
• Partner with Property, Construction and Store Development teams to support delivery of new stores
• Produce detailed design briefs, cost estimates and supporting documentation
• Conduct site due diligence and assess development opportunities
• Manage and engage external consultants and contractors to deliver high-quality design outcomes
• Identify and mitigate design and development risks early in the process
• Ensure projects align with design standards, operational requirements and cost benchmarks

About you and your skills

You are a highly capable design professional with a strong technical foundation and a passion for creating effective, well-executed retail environments. You bring a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to your work and take pride in turning concepts into practical, buildable solutions. Comfortable working across the full design lifecycle, you combine architectural expertise with commercial awareness to deliver outcomes that balance functionality, quality, and cost. You’re collaborative, adaptable, and confident engaging with a range of stakeholders, ensuring design intent is achieved while meeting operational and business requirements.

You’ll also ideally have:

• Proven experience in retail design, architecture or store development (ideally supermarkets)
• Deep understanding of technical design, construction documentation and detailing
• Proven ability to develop and interpret drawings, layouts and specifications
• Solid knowledge of construction methods and cost considerations
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in design and costings
• Ability to assess and resolve design risks and constraints
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with consultants, contractors and internal teams
• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance design quality and cost efficiency

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: 188024

Employment Type: Full time

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