Senior Legal Counsel - Competition

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

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.

About the role
 

We have an opportunity for an experienced lawyer with general commercial and competition law experience to join the Commercial Legal Team at Coles. You will ideally have around 6-9 years PQE with corporate/in-house or private sector experience in the FMCG sector.
You will form part of a high performing legal team that focuses on strategic matters enabling Coles to appropriately balance risk and reward, and to adapt and respond proactively to new and changing environments.

What you'll be doing

• Partner with the Merchandise Team (supermarkets, liquor and online) independently or in conjunction with other lawyers, to provide strategic and proactive legal advice including on tenders, contract negotiations, contract interpretation issues and supplier issues/disputes 
• Lead, draft and negotiate routine and complex commercial contracts
• Advise on commercial contracts particularly on competition law issues
• Have a strong understanding of Coles’ regulatory and operational environments and provide associated advice including on competition law issues
• Support implementation of new and improved processes and work practices in the delivery of legal services
• Engage in the development of the legal team’s strategic objectives and ensure alignment with Coles’ strategic objectives
• Assist in supporting lawyers across the legal team including on wellbeing, professional development, and in mentoring & developing other lawyers and graduates

Good things you'll need

• Mid to top tier training in private practice or in a Top 100 ASX corporate environment
• Legal experience at mid-level, ideally 6-9 years PQE in house or in the private sector, with a FMCG or merchandise focus and competition law experience
• Experience in providing advice to minimise legal risk and assisting to reduce financial and reputational exposure 
• An interest in team management /leadership experience, including in delegation and mentoring 
• Experience in identifying, evaluating and implementing new and improved processes and work practices to improve legal services delivery and efficiency 
• Developed understanding of commercial and regulatory legal issues  
• Legal acumen in handling moderately complex arrangements and providing accurate, commercially focussed advice  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Well developed problem solving and critical thinking ability  
• Ability to respond strategically  
• Strong emphasis on interpersonal skills 
• Ability to drive own career development 
• Capability to participate in plans for continuous improvement and act as a change agent  
• Ability to create and maintain relationships of trust (internal and external)  
• Presence and an ability to influence range of stakeholders in a matrix organisation  
• Current practising certificate
   

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: 151069

Employment Type: Full time