Head of Technology - Data & AI Engineering - Hawthorn East

We've been trusted to serve Aussie communities since 1914 and grown to become a top 30-listed on the ASX with 120,000 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

As the way we shop continues to evolve, our Data Team keeps us at the cutting edge. Driven by our innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking culture, we’re constantly looking at ways to reinvent the shopping experience for our customers and build the next generation of digital retailing. 

The Data Team within the broader Coles Technology Team focuses on building data collection and analytics capabilities to uncover customer, product, and operational insights. Providing data driven support to our users and enabling Coles to be a data driven organisation.

About the role

This exciting position within our Data and Intelligence team will be pivotal in architecting and leading the development of scalable, high-performance AI/ML and data solutions.

To be successful in this role, you will aim for the below: 

• lead domain-specific squads including software engineers, data engineers, ML engineers, data scientists, and UX designers
• ensure measurable business value from AI and data engineering efforts, aligning with corporate plan outcomes.
• integrate AI solutions seamlessly into domain-specific applications and systems for efficient deployment
• establish best practices for software development, data engineering, and AI/ML model development.
• implement and optimize automation for rapid and reliable deployments.
• ensure AI and data solutions comply with security and compliance requirements.
• collaborate with product and platform leads for smooth integration of AI solutions and data infrastructure.
• cultivate a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, exploring new technologies and strategies.
• make procurement decisions and implementing in-house builds or vendor solutions.

Your strength will lie in building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between product teams, Technology leaders and enterprise stakeholders to define priorities, report on progress, and integrate AI and data solutions into business initiatives whilst building and elevating the software engineering practice to the Data and Artificial Intelligence disciplines.

You will provide thought leadership and strong technical understanding of evolving AI and Data technical domains, informing corporate roadmaps and capabilities. 

Known for your influence, respect, and ability to instil trust, you excel in communication and strategic alignment. 

Balancing people, process, and technology, you will recognise the challenge of influencing beyond the technology realm, captivating hearts and minds to embark on a collective journey. 

Experience required

• Proven years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with a clear progression into management roles.
• Proven ability to design and architect complex scalable AI/ML systems and data pipelines
• Software engineering with app development background – strong programming skills
• Experience with GenAI and agentic workflows
• Significant experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• A blend of software engineering and machine learning experience.
• Experience with cloud data platforms (Snowflake, DataBricks) and reporting tools (powerBI)
• Experience with MLOps practices (CI/CD, model monitoring, etc.).
• Evidence of building AI models and integrating them into business workflows (API management, load management, integration, data security, logging etc)
• Experience in complex corporate environments, retail experience preferred.
• Understanding of delivering under Agile methodology

Commercial Skills and Formal Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Knowledge of data engineering tools and technologies (Spark, Kafka, databases).
• Cloud platform expertise.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Good understanding of software architecture.

• A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Maths, or a related field.

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 hot deals 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: 164945 

Employment Type: Full time 

#LI-MM1