Product Technologist - Fresh Produce - Hawthorn East

We’ve been trusted to serve Aussie communities since 1914 and grown to become a top 30-listed on the ASX with over 115,000 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

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
 

Reporting into the Head of Own Brand - Fresh Produce, you will drive quality, ensure compliance, and support product innovation of Coles brand products as part of the Fresh Produce team.  

As a Product Technologist with a focus on fresh produce, you will be working with our growers; ensuring quality and compliance standards are met – whilst driving product innovation. You will be a custodian of safety, quality, legal compliance, usability, and reputation for our Fresh Produce portfolio.

You will:

• Create value by executing the brand strategy
• Land new innovative products, reviewing past product performance and driving commercial outcomes
• Deliver supplier accountability and performance in quality and safety
• Engage and collaborate strategically with category teams and suppliers
• Apply strategic thinking to instigate and drive change in the industry

About you and your skills
 

With qualifications in agriculture science/horticulture or equivalent working experience, you display a keen interest in agriculture. You’ve ideally spent time working on a farm in a growing or production capacity, with fresh produce or meat. 

You'll also have:

• Technical management experience
• High care experience is highly desirable
• An understanding of labelling and ingredient declarations
• Proven experience in supplier management, investigations, traceability, audit response and data analysis
• Understanding of food safety requirements, ethical and sustainability platforms
• Demonstrated understanding of Fresh Produce Supply Chain
• Strong planning, time management, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills

Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract. 

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: 158586

Employment Type: Fixed Term