Senior Paralegal - Hawthorn East

A new role means a new way to win together. We’ve been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and at the heart of our continued success lies our 115,000 team members working across the country. If you’re looking for a career-defining opportunity, take the next step and explore another way your work can have impact and make a difference.

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.

At Coles, we’re more than just a supermarket. With one of Australia’s largest retail property portfolios: spanning supermarkets, liquor stores, and distribution sites our property strategy is central to how we serve millions of Australians every week. 
 

We’re seeking a Paralegal (Property) to join our in-house Legal team who has a sharp eye for detail. This role is a unique opportunity to combine enthusiasm to work with leasing and other property matters with commercial impact in one of the country’s most dynamic retail environments. 

You belong at Coles Group if you are ready to roll your sleeves up and get into all things supermarkets and liquor. We learn and grow by taking career-defining opportunities and this may just be your next role.

A new role = A new way to win together

About the role 

As a Paralegal, you’ll partner with the Property team to ensure Coles’ retail network is underpinned by sound, risk-managed leasing arrangements and aligned with our broader property strategy. Issuing option notices will be a core part of the role, but with Coles’ background they are not cookie cutter and require an ability to review and understand relevant parts of leases, variations, extensions and other agreements. There will also be other tasks required to add value to the business’ property operations.
 

About you 

You’re a commercially aware and detail-oriented property paralegal who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment. You have a strong understanding of how to support the balance between business objectives and risk mitigation and enjoy working closely with stakeholders and legal teams to deliver timely, practical outcomes. Time management and prioritisation is key for you.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that paralegal work tasks are efficiently and accurately completed in a timely manner and important time frames and deadlines are met.
• Ensure that all processes are understood and adhered to and approval obtained from your line manager for changes.
• Ensure that legal documentation is negotiated to reflect instructions and comply with appropriate corporate policies.
• Ensure that allocated transactions are within appropriate delegated authority levels and comply with corporate approval parameters.
• Effectively prioritise work tasks.
• Proactively build effective working relationships with all stakeholders
• Ensure that databases (such as PEPS, Worksite and LawVu) are properly updated, correctly utilised and integrity of data maintained.
• Understand and comply with company policies and procedures and stay abreast of changes to policies / procedures.
• Be fully conversant with relevant applicable leasehold legislation including retail tenancies legislation and lease registration requirements in all jurisdictions.
• Utilise legal precedent documents where prescribed and maintain the integrity of the precedent documentation or form of agreed document.
• Provide support to Legal Counsel in progressing matters as efficiently as possible.
• Liaise with external parties to ensure all stages of matter are progressed and followed up on.
• Assist Legal Counsel in prioritisation of matters to ensure that appropriate matters are addressed in a timely manner.
• Appropriately manage legal sign-off of legal documentation to be executed by the corporation.
• Provide support in implementing process improvements

Qualifications:

• Experience as a paralegal or similar relevant experience
• Experience as a lease administrator of retail leases or similar relevant experience.
• Experience in retail leasing negotiations (as a paralegal) or similar relevant experience.
• Appreciation of jurisdictional differences affecting property legal issues and PEXA would be advantageous.
• Strong alignment with Coles’ values and behaviours. Strong IT skills.
• Experience with implementing process improvement such as automation of high volume/repetitive tasks advantageous.
• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies (or equivalent) with emphasis on leasing and conveyancing would be advantageous.
• Exceptional time management and organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work co-operatively within a team environment.
• Ability to manage many matters simultaneously.
• Initiative and drive to act autonomously and take accountability.
• Attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, high-quality work.
• An interest in contributing to process improvement and systems.
• A proactive approach and positive attitude.

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: 187653

Employment Type: Full time

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