Internal Auditor, Own Brand

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

From baby food to coffee blends, our team members use their passion and innovative thinking to develop and deliver Coles’ own brands of quality products and best value solutions for our customers.

About the role

We’re seeking several experienced Internal Auditors to play a critical role in safeguarding the quality, safety and integrity of our Own Brand products. Reporting to the Supplier Audit & Compliance Manager, you’ll partner closely with local and offshore suppliers, Coles Product Technologists and internal quality teams to uphold manufacturing and responsible sourcing standards across food and non‑food categories.

This is a highly field‑based role, with approximately 80% of time spent on supplier sites, conducting audits, closing out non‑conformances and driving continuous improvement. You’ll also provide coaching and expert guidance to suppliers, helping lift capability and prevent recurring quality or safety issues.

You’ll also:

• Conduct audits of Own Brand suppliers against Coles Food and Non‑Food Manufacturing Supplier Requirements
• Deliver targeted audits focused on responsible sourcing, customer complaints, product incidents, withdrawals and recalls
• Communicate audit outcomes and manage non‑conformance close‑out within agreed timeframes using Fusion
• Provide clear, timely and thorough audit reports within required timeframes
• Coach and mentor suppliers and Coles Product Technologists to improve technical capability and quality performance
• Identify recurring non‑conformances and work collaboratively to implement improvement initiatives
• Contribute to Own Brand supplier scorecards, performance strategies and quality training programs
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including witness and shadow audits

About you and your skills

You are a seasoned quality or food safety professional who combines strong technical expertise with an engaging, collaborative approach. Confident working independently in supplier environments, you’re proactive, firm but fair, and passionate about improving quality outcomes through education and partnership. You’re comfortable influencing stakeholders, navigating challenging conversations and adapting quickly when urgent supplier issues arise.

You’ll also ideally have:

• Tertiary qualification in food science, bio‑science or a related discipline
• Registration as a Lead Food Safety Auditor or Management System Lead Assessor (RTO or TPEC)
• HACCP training aligned to Codex Alimentarius principles (minimum 2 days)
• Completion of CFMSR training, including shadow and witness audits
• A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly
• Proven experience in food or related industries, within quality assurance, product safety, manufacturing, retail or inspection
• Demonstrated technical competence across a range of product categories (e.g. thermal processing, chilled ready‑to‑eat, allergen‑free foods)
• Computer literacy and confidence working in audit and reporting systems

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: 175070

Employment Type: Full time

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