Senior Manager Corporate Communications - 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
As one of the biggest brands in Australia, we connect with millions of Australians each week. Whether it’s connecting our customers with relevant content through digital innovation, omni-channel storytelling or impactful advertising that reaches 98% of Australians, our Marketing team play an important role in driving our brand forward, helping Australians eat and live better every day.
About the team
Our External Communications and Community Engagement team plays a critical role in shaping Coles’ reputation and influencing public perception. We partner with senior executives and business leaders to deliver strategic communications that protect and enhance our brand, while navigating complex issues in a fast-paced environment.
About the role
As the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, you will hold a pivotal leadership position responsible for shaping and safeguarding Coles’ corporate reputation. This role demands a strategic thinker who can navigate complex issues and deliver innovative communication strategies that align with the company’s broader objectives. You will lead a team of four, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability while ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and performance.
Your remit spans the full spectrum of corporate communications, including executive positioning, financial and regulatory messaging, sustainability narratives, and the management of issues and crises. Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, you will influence decision-making at the highest level and ensure that Coles’ voice remains consistent, credible, and compelling across all channels. You will also serve as a key spokesperson for the organisation, building and maintaining strong relationships with senior journalists, editors, and opinion leaders to enhance Coles’ standing in the public domain.
This is a role for a dynamic and resilient leader who thrives under pressure and can balance strategic foresight with operational excellence. You will be instrumental in driving proactive communication initiatives, mitigating reputational risks, and ensuring that Coles remains a trusted and respected brand in the eyes of stakeholders and the broader community.
We are looking for a dynamic, collaborative, and solutions-oriented professional with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and a proven ability to operate under pressure.
About you and your skills
• 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, within an ASX-listed environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale corporate communications programs, issues and crisis situations at a senior level.
• Leadership experience, including managing high-performing teams and working as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives.
• Extensive leadership skills and experience
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong media relations expertise and an established network of media contacts.
• High judgement and strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into impactful communication strategies.
• Strong analytical skills to measure campaign effectiveness and adapt strategies as needed.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
• A trusted advisor with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused in navigating complex issues.
• Passionate about consumer engagement, storytelling, and delivering value to stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business/Economics, Public Policy, Legal or another related field.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification is highly regarded.
Join us in shaping the future of Coles’ corporate reputation. This is your opportunity to lead with influence, drive strategic communications at the highest level, and leave a lasting legacy on one of Australia’s most iconic brands.
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: 169048
Employment Type: Full time
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