Job Overview & Organization Mission

Ensure uncompromised food safety, cold chain temperature compliance, and private-label supplier quality across the national Coles supermarket network.

Coles Group is seeking an experienced Senior Food Safety, Quality & Cold Chain Compliance Manager to join our Quality & Responsible Sourcing team in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. You will establish food safety standards, conduct GFSI supplier technical audits, oversee continuous IoT cold-chain temperature telemetry, manage product recall protocols, and ensure full compliance with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

As a key member of the team at Coles Group in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Manage food: Manage food safety and quality assurance systems across fresh meat, dairy, seafood, and ready-to-eat private-label products.
• Conduct technical: Conduct technical audits of manufacturing facilities against Coles Brand standards and GFSI benchmarks (BRCGS, SQF).
• Monitor IoT: Monitor IoT telemetry for refrigerated transport fleets and DC cold rooms to ensure unbroken cold chain integrity.
• Lead microbiological: Lead microbiological risk assessments, shelf-life verification studies, and sensory quality taste panels.
• Manage incident: Manage incident response protocols for foreign object contaminants, allergen mislabeling, and product recalls.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Coles Group, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology or Quality Assurance.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 6+ years of food safety, quality assurance, or cold chain management experience within major food retail or manufacturing.
• Certified Lead Auditor in HACCP / GFSI standards (BRC, SQF, FSSC 22000).
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Microbiology.
• Deep understanding of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and trade measurement laws.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Coles Group, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$135,000 – AU$160,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $135,000 – $160,000 + performance bonus + superannuation.
• Modern Hawthorn East support centre with onsite fitness facilities and hybrid working options.
• Coles employee store discount cards and corporate health insurance subsidies.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Coles Group

Coles Group maintains industry-leading food safety and quality standards across supply chains and private-label foods.

Coles Group is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Coles Group careers gateway.