Legal Counsel, Workers' Compensation (12-Month FTC)

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.

Coles Group Insurance is responsible for the strategic management of insurance and claims risks across the Coles Group. Our national team provides expert legal and claims guidance across workers’ compensation, public liability and related matters, partnering with stakeholders to manage risk, improve outcomes and support the organisation’s broader commercial objectives.

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 exciting opportunity for an experienced Legal Counsel to join the Coles Workers’ Compensation team based in Sydney. This is a 12-month parental leave contract, providing the opportunity to work on complex and strategically significant workers’ compensation matters. Operating in a hybrid work environment, you will enjoy flexible work arrangements while managing matters both in-house and through our external legal panel.

As a trusted legal advisor, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic management of litigated workers’ compensation claims across NSW. You will work closely with claims professionals and internal stakeholders to drive strong commercial outcomes, minimise claims liabilities, manage legal and reputational risk, and support injured team members through effective claim resolution strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal oversight and direction on litigated workers’ compensation matters, including work injury damages claims, WPI disputes, global commutations and ARD’s.
• Maintain strong and current knowledge of NSW workers’ compensation legislation, relevant case law, regulatory reforms and SIRA compliance obligations.
• Monitor and analyse litigation and settlement trends to identify opportunities for improved claim outcomes and liability management.
• Manage and influence complex litigation matters from commencement through to resolution, providing clear and concise reporting to key internal stakeholders.
• Partner closely with our internal claims teams to deliver commercially focused legal advice and develop litigation strategies tailored to the circumstances of each claim.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing coaching and guidance to build the capability of the broader claims team.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external panel law firms, ensuring quality service delivery, appropriate cost management and achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support the effective management of legal, financial and reputational risks arising from workplace injury claims.
• Champion Coles’ legal strategy and contribute to the delivery of broader Group objectives.

You’ll Have

• Substantial experience managing complex workers’ compensation matters in NSW gained within a leading law firm, insurer, self-insured organisation or large corporate environment.
• A Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) and a current Legal Practising Certificate are essential.
• Demonstrated experience in workers’ compensation law in NSW ideally with 5+ years post-admission experience (PAE).
• Strong understanding of NSW relevant legislative, regulatory and statutory insurance frameworks and obligations.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to provide commercially focused legal advice and influence outcomes in complex and sensitive matters.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.

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 ••••@coles.com.au

Job ID: 190694

Employment Type: Fixed Term

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