Legal Counsel - Hawthorn East
A new role means a new way to win together. We’ve been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and at the heart of our continued success lies our 115,000 team members working across the country. If you’re looking for a career-defining opportunity, take the next step and explore another way your work can have impact and make a difference.
About the team
Because of our size, who we are and what we do, each day brings with it a lot of complexity that our legal team make simple. With a deep understanding of Coles Group’s goals and values, we’re able to provide practical and commercial advice that helps us all win.
A new role = A new way to win together
You belong at Coles Group if you look ahead, have a plan, and are up for the challenge. We learn and grow by taking career-defining opportunities and this may just be your next role.
About the team
Because of our size, who we are and what we do, each day brings with it a lot of complexity that our legal team make simple. With a deep understanding of Coles Group’s goals and values, we’re able to provide practical and commercial advice that helps us all succeed.
At Coles, we’re more than just a supermarket. With one of Australia’s largest retail property portfolios: spanning supermarkets, liquor stores, and distribution sites our property strategy is central to how we serve millions of Australians every week.
We’re seeking a skilled Legal Counsel (Property) to join our in-house Legal team and provide critical support to our Property division. This role is a unique opportunity to combine property law expertise with commercial impact in one of the country’s most dynamic retail environments.
About the role
As Legal Counsel, you’ll partner with the Property team to ensure Coles’ retail network is underpinned by sound, risk-managed leasing arrangements and aligned with our broader property strategy.
About you and
You’re a commercially astute and resilient property lawyer who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment. You know how to balance business ambition with risk mitigation and enjoy working closely with stakeholders to deliver timely practical outcomes.
In this role, you will:
- Manage continuous leasing matters across supermarkets and liquor stores, including renewals, variations, licences, and occupancy agreements, with a particular focus on the liquor portfolio, as well as advising on letters of offer
- Draft, negotiate and review property documentation to protect Coles’ interests while enabling commercial agility
- Provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice that balances growth opportunities with legal and reputational risk
- Develop and implement strategies to minimise risk exposure, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and support robust decision-making
- Build strong partnerships with Property leaders, internal stakeholders, and external landlords and advisors
- Contribute to broader portfolio initiatives, supporting efficient management of Coles’ property assets
- Have a mindset of continuous improvement with a focus on improved efficiency through AI, doc automation and other tools as may be available.
Ideally you’ll bring:
- Around 5 years’ PQE in property law, gained in private practice and/or in-house
- Demonstrated expertise in leasing and retail property transactions
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills with an eye for both detail and commercial context
- Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and reputational risks
- Confidence in providing clear, practical guidance to senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
- Experience and/or interest in AI / coding (highly regarded).
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: 185382
Employment Type: Full time
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