Assistant State Manager - Coles SO 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

Through the Liquorland banner, our Coles Liquor team work to bring the drinks our customers want, when and how they want them. With a network of more than 900 stores and ultra-convenient online sites, the team deliver on our commitment to provide accessible drink solutions for every occasion.

About the role

At Coles Liquor, we’re passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences and delivering strong commercial outcomes. We’re looking for a dynamic Assistant State Manager to partner with the State Manager and lead operational excellence across a high-performing retail network.

In this role, you will take ownership of state commercial performance, coach Area Managers, and drive strategic initiatives that improve sales, profitability, and customer experience. You’ll be a key influencer across stakeholders, ensuring delivery of business priorities while maintaining a strong governance and compliance culture.

You’ll also:

• Supporting the State Manager to drive sales, profit, and return on investment across the state
• Coaching and developing Area Managers to enhance commercial capability and performance
• Analysing data and customer insights to identify opportunities and improve in‑store experience
• Leading the delivery of key initiatives, including store renewals and operational change programs
• Managing state financial performance, including EBIT, cost of doing business, and sales outcomes
• Partnering with cross-functional teams (Finance, Property, Operations) to drive business performance
• Embedding a strong governance and compliance culture across the state

About you and your skills

You’re a commercially minded retail leader with a proven ability to influence, coach, and deliver results across multi-site operations. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution. With a strong customer-first mindset, you use insight and data to drive performance while building high-performing, engaged teams.

You’ll also ideally have:

• Strong commercial acumen with experience driving results in a competitive retail environment
• Proven leadership across multiple sites, formats, and performance levels
• Experience delivering KPI improvements and operational strategy execution
• Advanced ability to analyse data and translate insights into action
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across all organisational levels
• Strong understanding of financial metrics (EBIT, sales, CODB, etc.)
• Demonstrated success leading change initiatives and continuous improvement programs
• A collaborative, customer-centric approach with a passion for delivering outstanding results

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: 189164

Employment Type: Full time

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