Group Strategy Manager

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

Strategy is making the future of retail a reality. We’re a big business with big ideas. Our team works together with all our business units to help bring those ideas to life. We stay focused on what’s next, so we can make our customers’ experiences even better now and lead the industry for years to come.

About the role

Working closely with the Head of Group Strategy and GM Corporate Strategy, you'll bring the structured thinking, analytical rigour and problem-solving expertise to influence enterprise priorities and executive decision-making. You'll lead high-impact strategic initiatives across the Group, turning complex business challenges into clear, actionable recommendations while developing a high-performing team. You will also:

• Lead the development and delivery of Coles Group's corporate strategy and strategic priorities, working closely with senior executives to drive meaningful business outcomes.
• Apply hypothesis-driven problem-solving, quantitative analysis and financial modelling to develop evidence-based recommendations on complex enterprise challenges.
• Drive the development, alignment and execution of the Group's corporate plan, translating strategic priorities into actionable initiatives and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with senior stakeholders as a trusted strategic adviser, influencing executive decisions and facilitating workshops to build alignment and drive execution.
• Lead strategic projects end-to-end, managing key deliverables, identifying risks and developing practical solutions to support successful outcomes.
• Coach and develop a high-performing strategy team, embedding consulting-quality analytical methods, structured thinking and clear communication.

About you and your skills

You're a highly capable strategy professional with a strong foundation in top-tier management consulting, ideally from McKinsey, BCG or Bain (MBB), or significant experience in a corporate strategy function within a large, complex organisation. You combine exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills with commercial judgement, executive-level communication and the ability to lead teams, influence senior stakeholders and turn strategic thinking into business impact. You will have:

• Experience in top-tier management consulting (McKinsey, BCG or Bain strongly preferred) or a Group/Corporate Strategy function ideally in a large, retail/FMCG organisation.
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise-level strategies, solving complex business problems and delivering strategic initiatives from concept through to execution.
• Strong experience developing board and executive-level presentations, translating complex analysis into compelling strategic narratives and clear recommendations.
• Advanced analytical capabilities, including hypothesis-driven problem-solving, financial analysis, financial modelling and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, managing strategic projects end-to-end and influencing senior stakeholders across multiple business functions.

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: 198924

Employment Type: Full time

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