📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Digital Strategy Lead - Innovation & Growth
🔹 Company: Coles Group
🔹 Location: Hawthorn East, Melbourne, VIC 3123, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Retail
🔹 Date Posted: June 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping Coles' digital strategy and driving innovation and growth
- Identifying trends, opportunities, and defining customer-led propositions
- Working cross-functionally to deliver strategically important initiatives
- Building a high-performing, collaborative culture within the team and across the broader digital community
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and experience in management consulting, investment banking, strategy, or transformation. It involves working with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive complex projects.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Shape Coles' digital strategy and drive high-impact initiatives from idea to execution
✅ Turn insight into action by using data to solve complex problems and drive outcomes
✅ Influence and align leaders across Customer, Tech, Finance, and Group Strategy to deliver initiatives
✅ Craft clear, compelling narratives that move ideas forward and inform decision-making
✅ Build what's next by creating a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement
✅ Grow the team by building a high-performing, collaborative culture and uplifting capability across the broader digital community
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic thinking, data analysis, stakeholder management, and project execution. It requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, or a related discipline)
Experience: Around two to six years of work experience post-degree in strategy, consulting, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Strategic mindset and commercial acumen
- Structured problem-solving and data-led approach
- Compelling communication skills, both written and verbal
- Cross-functional influence and stakeholder management
- Execution focus and track record of delivering outcomes
- Growth mindset and leadership skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the retail, tech, or consumer environments
- Familiarity with digital trends and emerging technologies
- Experience working with large, complex organizations
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong academic background and relevant professional experience. They should also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 120,000 - 160,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a mid-level strategy role in Melbourne)
Benefits:
- Flexible working options
- Office perks (e.g., gym facility, fitness classes, free parking, BBQ area, mini-Coles supermarket, fooderie hub, school holiday program)
- Discounts (e.g., 5% discount on Supermarket and Liquor online and in-store purchases, additional periods of double discount, hotdeals exclusive to team members)
- Reward through recognition (e.g., digital recognition platform 'mythanks' with points redeemable for exciting gifts and electronic gift cards)
- Opportunities for learning and development (e.g., career development programs and job-specific training)
- Paid parental leave
- Investment in your future (e.g., annual team member share plan offer)
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a mid-level strategy role in Melbourne. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the company's policies and the employee's tenure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail. Coles Group is one of Australia's largest retailers, operating supermarkets, liquor stores, and online platforms. It is a publicly-listed company with over 115,000 team members and a portfolio of iconic brands.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Coles Group offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1914. Coles Group has a long history in the Australian retail industry and has evolved significantly over the years to become a leading retailer.
Company Description:
- Coles Group is home to some of Australia’s iconic and most trusted brands
- It is one of the biggest employers in Australia with over 115,000 team members
- Its vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value
Company Specialties:
- Retail (supermarkets, liquor stores, online platforms)
- Customer Service
- Buying and Merchandise
- Retail Marketing
- Supply Chain Logistics
- Store Development
- Retail Operations
- Multichannel Retail
- Customer Insights and Loyalty
- Retail Technology
- Financial Services
Company Website: colescareers.com.au
ASSUMPTION: Coles Group is a large, well-established retailer with a diverse range of brands and operations. It offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the retail industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role is suitable for candidates with around two to six years of work experience post-degree in strategy, consulting, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Digital Leadership team and works cross-functionally with various teams to deliver strategically important initiatives.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing employees to work both on-site and remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior leadership roles within the Digital Innovation & Growth team or broader Coles Group
- Expansion of skills and knowledge through learning and development opportunities
- Increased responsibility and impact as the team and Coles Group continue to grow
ASSUMPTION: This role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the Coles Group. Successful candidates will have the chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the company's strategic direction.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office. Coles Group's headquarters are located in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.
Office Location(s): 800-838 Toorak Rd, Hawthorn East, Melbourne, VIC 3123, Australia
Geographic Context:
- Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia and is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and high standard of living
- The Hawthorn East suburb is located approximately 8 kilometers east of Melbourne's central business district
- The area is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to trams, trains, and buses
Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements. Employees can expect to work Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the option to work remotely for part of the week.
ASSUMPTION: The Hawthorn East location offers a convenient and accessible work environment for employees, with numerous amenities and public transportation options nearby.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the Digital Leadership team
- Final round interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cross-functional influence and stakeholder management
- Cultural fit and alignment with Coles Group values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and relevant experience
- Prepare examples of your structured problem-solving approach and data-led decision-making
- Research Coles Group and the Digital Innovation & Growth team to demonstrate your understanding of the company and role
ATS Keywords: Digital strategy, innovation, growth, retail, customer experience, omnichannel, data-led, structured problem-solving, stakeholder management, leadership, Coles Group
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive and involves multiple rounds of interviews. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with Coles Group.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools. Familiarity with project management and collaboration platforms is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Obsessed: We put our customers first in everything we do
- Integrity: We act with honesty and integrity in all our interactions
- Respect: We value and respect each other, our customers, and our communities
- Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and deliver on our commitments
- Innovation: We continuously seek new and better ways to serve our customers
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
- Agile: We adapt and pivot as needed to meet changing customer expectations
- Customer-focused: We prioritize customer needs and preferences in our decision-making
- Data-driven: We use data to inform our strategies and measure our performance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives that have delivered significant business impact?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to change?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional team setting and enjoy working with diverse stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Coles Group values a customer-obsessed, innovative, and collaborative work environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong alignment with these values and a willingness to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Managing ambiguity and uncertainty in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution and delivery
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity and engagement with remote team members
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development. Successful candidates will be able to navigate a complex organization, manage ambiguity, and balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other strategy roles, this position offers a unique focus on digital innovation and growth within the retail industry
- Industry-specific context: Retail is a highly competitive and dynamic sector, with constant pressure to innovate and adapt to changing customer expectations
- Career path comparison: This role provides an opportunity to build a career in digital strategy and retail, with potential progression to senior leadership positions within Coles Group or other large retailers
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, digital innovation, and retail industry experience. It provides an excellent platform for career growth and development within the retail industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive omnichannel customer experience roadmap that reflects evolving customer expectations, emerging technologies, and business priorities
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in the digital retail landscape
- Leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact digital initiatives, such as new eCommerce platforms, mobile apps, or in-store technology implementations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic, cross-functional, and data-driven nature of the role. Successful candidates will have experience working on similar projects and driving outcomes through structured problem-solving and effective stakeholder management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing digital challenges facing Coles Group, and how does this role address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within Coles Group, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What is the company's approach to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and how does this role contribute to that?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Digital Innovation & Growth team and Coles Group more broadly?
- How does Coles Group support work-life balance, and what flexibility is available for hybrid work arrangements?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role's priorities, expectations, and opportunities for growth and development within Coles Group.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Coles Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and relevant experience
- Prepare examples of your structured problem-solving approach and data-led decision-making
- Research Coles Group and the Digital Innovation & Growth team to demonstrate your understanding of the company and role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
