Communications Manager - Hawthorn East
We’ve been trusted to serve Aussie communities since 1914 and grown to become a top 30-listed on the ASX with over 115,000 team members and a portfolio of iconic brands. At Coles Group, you’ll not only get to make a difference to millions of Aussie lives—you’ll also get to see your impact.
About the team
Corporate and Indigenous Affairs is the voice of Coles Group internally and externally. We collaborate with stakeholders across our business to better connect and deliver for our customers and each other. By working together, we further strengthen the trust and relatability our brands are known for across Australia.
Help shape the voice of one of Australia’s most renowned brands.
About the role
We’re on the lookout for a clever, creative and confident Communications Manager to join our External Communications team.
If you thrive on executing high-impact campaigns, can craft compelling messages that connect with everyday Australians, and have strong media relationships that drive impactful coverage – this could be your next move.
Applications close Monday 2nd June.
Why apply?
• Be part of a purpose-led brand that’s woven into the fabric of Australian life.
• Collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive and high-performing team.
• Lead diverse, high-profile campaigns – from product launches to community partnerships.
What you’ll do
You’ll collaborate with senior leaders, marketers, and social teams to bring our stories to life, amplify key messages, and protect and enhance our reputation.
You’ll also:
• Lead and execute national external communications campaigns that achieve standout media coverage.
• Proactively identify stories and opportunities to build Coles’ profile and engage consumer audiences.
• Develop and deliver compelling communications plans for business announcements, launches and partnerships, and pitch these opportunities to journalists.
• Produce materials including media releases, statements, talking points and briefs for senior leaders and other spokespeople.
• Work together with marketing, social, community and internal communications teams to integrate content across channels.
• Measure and report on campaign effectiveness using key insights and metrics.
About you and your skills
You’re a strategic communicator with a flair for storytelling and a cool head under pressure. Whether it’s influencing journalists, managing agency partners, or navigating reputational risk – you bring experience, creativity and confidence in equal measure.
You’ve likely cut your teeth in FMCG, retail or liquor – either in-house or on agency side – and are ready for your next big challenge in a high-profile role.
You’ll also have:
• 7–10+ years’ experience in consumer PR, media relations and strategic communications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A proven track record delivering integrated campaigns with measurable results.
• Strong writing skills, from media releases to executive briefs and Q&As.
• An established media network and the ability to pitch proactively and persuasively.
• Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and working cross-functionally with diverse teams.
• A resilient, solutions-focused mindset and a collaborative approach.
#LI-MAR
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: 156425
Employment Type: Full time