Head of Technology - Data & AI Strategy - 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 new opportunity will be pivotal in developing and maintaining a future-focused, actionable Technology Strategy that aligns with enterprise objectives and market trends.

To be successful in this role, your focus will be in driving the Technology Data and AI Strategy to enable and propel the business forward. Working in alignment with the group's overarching technology strategy, you will spearhead transformative change across people, process and technology, shaping and outlining strategic roadmaps.

You will navigate the intricate landscape of AI, business transformation, and the human element within the corporate strategy streamlining processes, fostering automation, and anticipating disruptions in Coles internal and external engagement.

Known for your influence, respect, and ability to instil trust, you excel in communication and strategic alignment. Despite the common gap between strategy and delivery, you will bridge this divide by collaborating closely with peers involved in the most innovative changes taking place closer to the delivery phase. 

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.

Key responsibilities at a high level will include

• Technology Strategy Leadership
• Emerging Technology & Innovation
• Strategic Insights and Foresight
• Cross functional Engagement and Influence
• Governance and Portfolio Enablement

Experience required

• Proven years of broad experience across technology strategy, enterprise architecture or transformation leadership roles.
• Deep experience working with or overseeing programs in AI, data platforms, cloud services or automation.
• Demonstrated experience building and implementing enterprise-wide technology strategies that drive meaningful outcomes.
• Proven success in influencing executive stakeholders, shaping complex portfolios and leading multi-disciplinary collaboration.
• Strong track record in facilitating technology innovation and shaping cross-functional investment cases.
• Experience working in agile and product-led operating models in complex, matrixed organisations.

Commercial Skills and Formal Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in IT, Business, Strategy, or related discipline; postgraduate qualifications or accreditations desirable.
• Expert-level understanding of emerging technologies and their enterprise applications (esp. AI/ML, data architecture, cloud, cybersecurity).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesise complex information into compelling strategic narratives.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and stakeholder management capabilities, including at Board/Exec level.
• Proficiency in strategic planning tools and frameworks such as OKRs, maturity models and value stream mapping.
• Ability to drive alignment and decision-making across multiple teams with diverse priorities and delivery cadences.

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: 164946 

Employment Type: Full time 

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