At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical management of Fresh Produce, ensuring quality and food safety.
- Company: Join a top ASX-listed company with a rich history and iconic brands.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, discounts, gym access, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and safety for Australian communities.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Food Science or related field; Fresh Produce experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 $ per year.
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
From baby food to coffee blends, our team members use their passion and innovative thinking to develop and deliver Coles’ own brands of quality products and best value solutions for our customers.
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Product Technologist to lead the technical management of a Fresh Produce category, ensuring strong quality, food safety and compliance outcomes. You’ll work closely with suppliers and teams across merchandising, quality and commercial to improve product performance and manage technical risks across the supply chain. With plenty of autonomy, you’ll influence decisions and help deliver fresh products our customers know and trust.
- Own the technical management of your Fresh Produce category from supplier through to customer.
- Drive product quality, food safety and compliance across the product lifecycle.
- Lead investigations, root cause analysis and risk assessments for quality and food safety issues.
- Partner with suppliers to improve performance, compliance, innovation and product quality.
- Use data and insights to identify trends, risks and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate across our teams to deliver category product plans and strategic priorities.
About you and your skills
You’re a technically strong food industry professional who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex problems and building trusted relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. You’ll bring Fresh Produce experience, sound technical judgement and the ability to balance customer, quality and commercial priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Nutrition, Food Technology, Chemistry or a related field.
- Fresh Produce experience, with experience in FMCG, manufacturing, retail or supplier environments.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory requirements, quality systems and product specifications.
- Experience partnering with suppliers and applying root cause analysis, risk assessment and technical problem-solving.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, project leadership, planning and prioritisation skills.
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.
- 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.
Product Technologist employer: Coles Group Pty Ltd
Coles Group Pty Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Commercial Legal Counsel. With a focus on employee growth and development, you'll have the opportunity to engage in strategic projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid work options. Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in the retail sector.
