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Responsible Sourcing Manager, Agriculture - VIC, QLD, NSW

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

 

Our Sustainability team is working together to create a better future for all Australians. Together, we’re focused on making a positive difference through our three strategic pillars of climate, nature and circularity. These areas align with our most material issues and stakeholder expectations and are the areas we aim to have the most significant impact. We’re also committed to supporting human rights, diversity and inclusion, health, safety and wellbeing, community support, and providing healthy, safe and affordable food. Together, we’re making sustainability part of everything we do at Coles.

 

About the role

 

The Coles Own Brand Responsible Sourcing team plays a critical role in building sustainable, long-term supplier relationships and driving responsible sourcing standards. Our focus is on delivering improved sustainability outcomes and providing leading food, drink, and home solutions that are delicious, healthy, and environmentally responsible for our customers. You’ll find us working across all business units at Coles Supermarkets. Our team is passionate about working at the forefront of product stewardship and sustainability. We are especially excited by working with our amazing farmers and suppliers to improve sustainable outcomes for both our businesses.

 

In this role, you will work closely with and report to the Senior Manager – Responsible Sourcing to help deliver our Own Brand Responsible Sourcing strategy. You’ll provide specialist technical advice on the farming and sourcing of Own Brand agricultural products, collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders including NGOs, industry partners, and suppliers. Your expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping supply chains and driving positive sustainability outcomes across thousands of products nationwide

 

Please note: This is a fixed term contract (parental leave cover) for 15 months. Due to the agricultural aspects of the role, we welcome applicants who are based in Victoria, Queensland or New South Wales, and can easily access a major city airport to occasionally visit Coles Store Support Centre in Melbourne.

 

You will also:

  • Deliver project leadership to achieving an Own Brand ‘no-deforestation commitment’ for the relevant agricultural commodities within the determined timelines
  • Be the subject matter expert on deforestation risks and agricultural sustainability within the business for all technical issues including supporting senior internal stakeholders, suppliers and other external stakeholders
  • Develop, deliver and manage policies, guidelines and technical tools to support Coles Own Brand sustainable sourcing standards for a suite of agricultural commodities including Soy and animal protein supply chains
  • Develop and implement Coles Own Brand agricultural environmental impact programs, such as certified/verified commodities and nature positive strategies (e.g. carbon reduction, water management and biodiversity improvements) in consideration of future reporting frameworks such as TNFD
  • Develop and implement systems to measure performance working closely with the Coles Quality and Technical Standards team (Fusion)
  • Communication of Coles Own Brand programs and initiatives to NGOs and advocacy groups

 

 

About you and your skills

 

We are looking for someone who has a strong understanding of farming, expertise in dairy is preferred.  A working knowledge of high impact commodity system sustainability risks is preferred such as biodiversity, climate and subsequent regulatory risks. Previous experience should include project management, engagement and communication skills to help drive programme implementation.

 

You’ll also need:

  • Tertiary qualifications or industry experience in the agricultural and sustainability space
  • Policy, programme, and strategy development and implementation
  • Ability to work within a commercial, fast paced and complex environment
  • Strong inter-personal skills and proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders
  • Strong planning and time management skills

 

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: 174584

 

Employment Type: Fixed Term

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