Transport Operations 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

Supply Chain makes life easier, safer, and more sustainable across our network. Our team works with thousands of trusted businesses every day to bring together our suppliers, distribution centres and stores. By keeping those relationships strong and processes running smoothly, we’re able to maintain the availability and quality of our products for our customers.

About the role

As NSW Transport Operations Manager, you’ll lead transport operational performance across NSW, balancing service, safety, and commercial outcomes while building strong partnerships with our transport providers and internal teams.

You’ll combine operational expertise with commercial thinking to manage contractor performance, navigate complex transport costs, and drive better outcomes for our stores and customers.

You will also:

• Lead NSW transport operational performance across service, safety, cost, and quality
• Build strong, productive relationships with transport contractors and hold partners accountable for agreed outcomes
• Lead regular contractor performance reviews and drive practical improvement plans
• Partner with Distribution Centres, stores, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Safety, and other key stakeholders
• Apply strong commercial judgement to transport costs and operational decisions
• Use data and operational insights to identify opportunities to improve service and cost performance
• Challenge constructively across retail and transport to achieve better outcomes for our stores and customers
• Maintain strong oversight of transport safety, compliance, and operational risk
• Support operational planning through key peak trading periods
• Be a visible and engaged leader across our transport network

About you and your skills

You’re an experienced transport, logistics or supply chain professional, you’ll bring strong operational knowledge, commercial thinking, and the ability to build relationships and influence across a complex stakeholder environment.

You will have:

• Experience across transport, logistics or supply chain, ideally within a complex, high-volume environment
• Strong experience managing third-party transport providers or contractors
• Commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to understand complex costings, budgets, and cost drivers
• The confidence to challenge suppliers and internal stakeholders constructively while maintaining strong relationships
• Excellent communication, engagement, and influencing skills
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Strong analytical capability and the ability to turn operational data into action
• Knowledge of transport safety and regulatory requirements
• Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced operational environment

Experience within a 3PL environment or managing a P&L or significant cost centre would be highly regarded.

What’s in it for you?

• 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: 198447

Employment Type: Full time