Packaging Transformation Lead

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.

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.

At Coles, we're committed to creating a more sustainable future through smarter packaging solutions. As our Packaging Transformation Lead, you'll play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of our Own Brand R³ Packaging Framework: Reduce, Recycle and Reimagine. This newly created position offers a unique opportunity to influence packaging innovation at scale, helping drive meaningful progress towards our FY30 packaging targets while delivering positive outcomes for customers, suppliers and the environment.

Working closely with Packaging Technologists, Commercial teams, Sustainability partners and suppliers, you'll identify and lead packaging transformation opportunities across our extensive Own Brand portfolio. You'll combine technical expertise, strategic thinking and stakeholder influence to develop commercially viable solutions that improve packaging circularity, reduce environmental impact and enhance the customer experience.

You’ll also:

• Develop and manage a prioritised pipeline of packaging improvement opportunities across the Own Brand portfolio.
• Partner with Packaging Technologists to identify, develop and implement sustainable packaging solutions.
• Drive the transition away from non-recyclable and problematic packaging materials.
• Accelerate the incorporation of recycled content into targeted packaging materials.
• Challenge existing packaging specifications and identify lower-impact alternatives that improve circularity.
• Use data, customer insights and industry trends to prioritise initiatives and measure outcomes.
• Collaborate with category teams, suppliers and industry partners to redesign packaging for a circular economy.
• Balance sustainability outcomes with product protection, food waste prevention, quality, functionality, accessibility and cost considerations.
• Monitor and report on progress against FY30 packaging targets and key transformation initiatives.

We're looking for an experienced packaging professional who is passionate about sustainability and driven by the opportunity to deliver large-scale change. You'll bring a strong understanding of packaging technologies and product development, coupled with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and translate ambitious sustainability goals into practical, commercially successful outcomes. Equally comfortable working strategically and operationally, you'll enjoy partnering across teams and suppliers to identify innovative solutions that create value for both customers and the environment.

You'll also bring:

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Packaging or a related discipline.
• Significant experience within packaging, food manufacturing, FMCG or retail environments.
• Experience delivering packaging innovation, sustainability or transformation programs.
• A strong understanding of circular economy principles and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Knowledge of product development processes and packaging compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing suppliers and cross-functional project delivery.
• A passion for creating sustainable outcomes that improve both customer experience and environmental performance.

• 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.

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: 187675

Employment Type: Full time

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