Senior Commercial Manager - Dairy

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 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 Dairy Sourcing, you will help shape the Dairy Direct Sourcing strategy, building a resilient, category aligned and efficient dairy supply chain.

This role helps shape and deliver the strategic and commercial objectives of the Dairy Direct Sourcing model to ensure secure, sustainable supply, optimising the milk supply with its toll processor partners and third party partner, while aligning closely with broader category objectives. The role also responds proactively to supply risks and sourcing issues, ensuring continuity and optimal dairy direct sourcing outcomes.

What you’ll be doing 

• Lead the management and performance of 3rd party partner  
• Manage the financial and commercial delivery of dairy direct sourcing model
• Manage Direct to Farm Milk Sourcing for Toll Processing and Coles owned fresh milk sites
• Collaboratively working with internal stakeholders to develop plans that deliver strong customer and commercial outcomes 
• In partnership with category managing toll processor relationships to ensure cost efficiency, optimisation and strong inventory control.   

About your skills 

• Experience delivering end to end strategic projects, involving major business initiatives and transformational change
• Track record in influencing senior business leaders to drive significant business outcomes
• A distinctive leadership voice and experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders
• Experience in negotiating within a retail commercial function and strong stakeholder management skills
• Commercial understanding of the Merchandise function
• Strong analytical capability, with experience interpreting supply, cost, and market data to inform sourcing decisions, optimise financial outcomes, and identify emerging risks.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to confidently manage industry relationships

Please note applications close on Sunday February 8th, 2026.

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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: 176262

Employment Type: Full time