Design & Innovations 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

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

The Design and Innovations team is redefining retail design. Reporting to the National Innovation Program Manager, you will lead the end‑to‑end development of new store concepts, fixtures, equipment and in‑store experiences across our supermarket network. This includes turning ideas into prototypes, trials and ultimately scalable formats that integrate into the Coles Blueprint.You will be responsible for shaping the innovation agenda in your areas, bringing together customer insights, commercial priorities and operational realities to design solutions that lift sales, reduce cost and simplify store operations.This is a highly cross‑functional leadership role requiring strong commercial understanding, design expertise, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across Commercial, Operations, Property, Engineering and Store Development. 

You will need to:

• Review and evaluate development opportunities in collaboration with business stakeholders and playback concept design options for endorsement
• Drive end to end development (design, scope and costing) of new cost-effective category and format propositions inclusive of operational and merchandising criteria
• Identify and evaluate delivery and design risks, build project plans andnegotiate appropriate design outcomes
• Partner and manage internal and external stakeholders to deliver project trials and applicable PIR and design standard documentation
• Work flexibly to support multiple cross-functional stakeholders, including internal business functions, finance, range and space, engineering, construction and coordinate external consultants, contractors and suppliers for implementation and delivery of store concepts

About you and your skills

You are a strategic thinker with deep experience in retail or commercial environments. You can balance creativity with commercial rigour and translate ambiguous ideas into executable designs. You’re confident navigating senior stakeholders and can bring people along on the journey through influence and clarity.

You will also need:

• Architectural or property qualifications (architecture, interior design, project management or property development)
• Strong understanding of retail planning, preferably in food and liquor retailing
• Expertise in design detailing solutions, standards production plus building and costing knowledge
• Demonstration of financial acumen and cost management and proficient in AutoCad/Revit or equivalent design platform
• Ability to effectively time manage in a fast-paced environment
• Developed communication, influencing and interpersonal skills to build rapport and trusted relationships with a range of stakeholders

Please note this application will close on March 30th

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: 180631

Employment Type: Full time