Coles Grads sitting outside with their laptops

Store Support Centre Graduate Program

Join our mob in 2025 


We invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply for our Store Support Centre (SSC) Graduate Program. 

With over 10 career streams, you can kick start your corporate career in areas like Supply Chain, Digital, Marketing and many more! Experience hands-on projects, from machine learning to product testing. We’re proud to say that 3.5% of our Coles Group team members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, making us one of the largest private sector employers of Indigenous Australians. We’re also connected to more than 60 Indigenous businesses through our supply chain. Join us in shaping the future!
Female team members in indigenous printed shirts wearing VR headsets
Who can apply?
To apply for our Store Support Centre Graduate Program, you will need to:
  • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
  • Have completed your bachelor’s degree before starting the program.
  • Be available to start full-time work in February 2025.

Applications close on January 6th, 2025
    Register for our 2026 Graduate program
    The Coles Group SSC Graduate Program offers over 10 career paths, whether you studied economics, digital, computer science, or marketing. You'll gain hands-on experience in exciting areas like machine learning, product testing, or managing high-volume transactions.

    Applications for the program are currently closed but will reopen in 2025 for the 2026 intake. If you're interested, please fill out the Expression of Interest form, and we’ll reach out when applications open.
    Two graduates walking inside the Store Support Centre
    Tracy, a female graduate

    Choose from our corporate career streams.
    That's food for thought!

    Digital


    By combining the fast-paced culture of retail with the ever-growing world of eCommerce, Coles Online takes the time and effort out of grocery shopping. With services such as Home Delivery, Click & Collect and smart lockers, we’re always working on new ways to make life easier for our customers – no matter where they are.

    Coles Digital is an exhilarating and innovative team that is constantly evolving to exceed our customers’ expectations. As a Coles Digital Graduate, you will be exposed to a variety of opportunities within all facets of the eCommerce business. From working with operations, delivering strategy driven projects in line with our road map or supporting our ever-growing network and driving a seamless website & app experience, the scope for development is endless. If you think you are ready to constantly challenge for the better and implement real change in a rapidly growing market, Coles Digital is for you!

    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation possibilities: Product Management, UX Design, Software Engineering, Digital Ventures, Network Development, Online Operations, Strategy,  Data & Analytics

    Preferred educational background/interest:
    Information Technology, e-Commerce, Business, Software Engineering, Data & Analytics, Product Management


    Finance


    Finance makes it easier for us to win together as a business.  Our team works side-by-side with every other team to help bring commercial thinking into what they do and make moves that support our strategic business decisions. 

    With a team of over 400, Finance offers large scope for personal development and career opportunities. Working with key business units you will gain insight in to how our business runs and be part of key strategic initiatives. You will handle all sorts of questions such as: How do you ensure reliable and accurate financial reporting to the wider business?; and How do you determine the best course of action to drive Coles’ sales and profit? 


    Length of program: 3 years

    Rotation options
    Financial Accounting & Control (Treasury and Banking, Tax, Business Assurance, Accounting Investigations and Stock Accounting, Financial Accounting and Reporting, External Reporting & Governance, Payables and Expenses, Capital and Order Management)

    Preferred educational background/interest:
    Commerce, Finance, Accounting

    *Graduates will be supported in completing a CA/CPA qualification throughout the program 

    Technology


    As the way we shop continues to evolve, our Technology team keeps us at the cutting edge.
     
    Coles Technology is an exhilarating and fast-paced team focused on delivering continued innovation and enhanced personalised  services to customers, team members and stores. 

    The heavily team-oriented environment provides team members with plenty of networking opportunities whilst working on cross-functional and multi-platform projects in the  technology space. Technical, business focused or creative; you’ll find endless career paths to explore! 


    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation options: Analytics, Insights Services, Merchandise IT Platforms, Supply Chain Technology, Infrastructure Project Delivery,
    Software Engineering (front & back end), Cloud Engineering, Architecture, Stores and People Platforms.


    Preferred educational background/interest: Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Cloud Technology, Applied Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data and Analytics, Business Computing. 

    Agribusiness


    Graduates will develop a deep understanding of the Australian meat supply chain for Coles, working with farmers, processors, and retail packers to deliver exceptional livestock products. From a strategic point of view, we have some big challenges coming up relating to carbon emissions, security of supply for future generations and providing customers with continued quality and inspirational products that get shoppers to repeat purchase.

    Recent brands you may have seen on our shelves include our ‘Coles Finest’ Certified Carbon Neutral Beef and Pork, grass fed “Graze” Beef and Lamb.

    Seeing your products from paddock to plate is quite an experience and provides immediate responsibility and opportunities to make a difference. You will gain exposure to key projects and including sustainability, packaging transformation, new products and events. You will also be involved in supplier and farm visits, supply chain execution, compliance, and customer strategy creation. All action from the get-go!

    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation options: Livestock, Retail Production, Primary Production, Supply Chain, Own Brand 

    Preferred educational background/interest: Agriculture, Livestock orientated, Food Science, Agribusiness.

    Commercial


    The Commercial function is all about delivering the best market offering for our customers in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. As a Commercial Graduate you will help determine the type, price, and the way a new product is launched across the hundreds of Coles’ retail outlets in Australia. Some of the aspects of the role involve commercial management of a Profit & Loss statement, supplier relationship management, innovation and range management and customer centric decision making.

    Negotiating and working with our suppliers will also be fundamental to your success in landing your category strategy. 

    No two days are the same as you will be working across multiple functions, including Marketing, Operations and Supply Chains to develop category plans and bring this to life in-store.  
     

    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation options:  Category Management, Non-food, Grocery, Fresh Procedure, Bakery & Deli, Meat, Dairy, Freezer & Convenience 

    Preferred educational background/interest: Business/Commerce, Management, Marketing, Finance/Accounting, Economics 
    Red legal scale

    Legal


    For a company as big as ours, the regulatory environment is naturally complex. Because we operate across a range of legal remits, our Legal team are trusted advisors to the business. With such a deep understanding of our goals and values, we provide practical and commercial advice when it’s needed.

    As a Legal Graduate you will develop skills across a broad array of platforms, work in a multifaceted regulatory environment and turn strategy into concrete deals, as well as get exposure to the broader world of law. You will get the satisfaction of direct contact with your clients and can take real ownership of legal work.  

    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation options: Merchandise & Marketing, Procurement & Operations, Head Office & Business Development Advisory 
    Property, Regulatory Compliance including Privacy, Marketing and Ethical Sourcing, Regulatory Licensing, Special Projects

    Preferred educational background/interest: Law Degrees including post-grad e.g. Juris Doctor

    Coles Liquor


    With three iconic brands (First Choice, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars) to our name, our liquor team is  intent on becoming Australia’s  favorite  locally relevant drinks specialist, serving up everything from premium & exclusive wines and craft beers, to  spirits  from  local distilleries.  We’re passionate about putting customers first and have fantastic team members working in operations, merchandise, supply chain, marketing, finance & strategy to make this happen.   
     
    Coles Liquor provides you with a fantastic opportunity to join a passionate and close-knit team whose vision is to be a simpler, more accessible, locally relevant, drinks specialist.  As a Liquor Graduate, you can choose your own adventure, working across a variety of areas in retail. With over 900 liquor stores, 3 great customer brands and millions of customers, there’s sure to be an opportunity for you within Coles Liquor. 

    Length of program: 2 years 

    Rotation options: Supply Chain, Store Formats, eCommerce, Merchandise, Centrel Operations, Strategy, Marketing &  Transformation 

    Preferred educational background/interest: Commerce, Business, Economics, Supply-chain, Science, Engineering & Law 

    Marketing


    As one of the biggest brands in Australia, Coles connects with over 19 million people each day. Whether it is innovative in-store design, creative omnichannel storytelling, or major advertising campaign that reaches 98% of Australians, the Marketing team play a pivotal role in driving the Coles brand forward, helping our customers  eat and live better every day.  
     
    From communicating with millions of Australians every week, to analysing trends in customer behaviour or developing a powerful TV commercial, as a Marketing Graduate you will join the innovative team at the cutting edge of retail marketing.  
     
    Length of program: 2 years 
     
    Rotation options: Brand & Content, Business Unit Marketing, Coles Brand Marketing, Digital Marketing, Events & Sponsorships, Insights, Marketing Operations, Marketing Transformation, Media 
     
    Preferred educational background/interest: Marketing, Data Analytics, Behavioural Science, Psychology 

    People & Culture


    Our People & Culture team work hard to create an inclusive workplace driven by support and empowerment. Working across our Centres of Excellence, P&C Central and Business Partnering, we focus on bringing out the best in our people, making their lives easier through better experiences, helpful tools, innovative tech and ongoing career opportunities.  
     
    As a People & Culture Graduate, you will have plenty of opportunity to influence the future of Coles through developing a diverse team, recruiting top talent or enabling flexible work environments, making Coles the best place to work for our teams and ensuring our customers come first.  
     
    Length of program: 2 years 
     
    Rotation options: P&C Central (Generalist), Learning, Talent Acquisition, Systems Technology & Process, Reward, Culture and Inclusion, People Analytics, Advisory, P&C Operations

    Preferred educational background/interest: Human Resources Management, Commerce, Business, Psychology, Law 
     

    Property


    Property graduates will gain experience in each phase of the property lifecycle and deliver the customer experience in our physical spaces. With over 2500 retail locations around the country, Coles’ Property team looks after one of the most dynamic portfolios in Australia. Working with teams across the business, Property teams provide a range of services from site acquisition, leasing and renewals, through to development, construction and asset management.  
     
    Whether it be consulting with local councils and communities, negotiating new and existing leases or expanding and refurbishing stores and DCs, there is plenty of opportunity for Property Graduates!  
     
    Length of program: 2 years 

    Rotation options: Lease Management, Network Planning, Construction, Development, Site Procurement

    Preferred education background/interest: Commerce, Business, Economics, Law

    Central Operations


    The Central Operations team is the engine room that keeps us moving – from supporting our DC’s to efficiently deliver our products into stores; to empowering our store teams to serve millions of customers each week with pride.  
     
    As a Central Ops Graduate, you will have the opportunity to be challenged as a leader, take ownership, and work on large projects that span Coles end-to-end. You will be the vital link between the SSC and our stores and DC network so that we can land change that is Best for Coles, drive sales, improve profitability and make life easier for our team and customers.  

    Length of program: 2 years 

    Rotational options:  Central Store Operations, Workforce Strategy & Transformation, Rostering Execution & Workforce Planning, Service Transformation, Smarter Profit, DC Automation, Supply Chain Optimisation, International Supply Planning 
      
    Preferred education background/interest: Business, Commerce, Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, P&C, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, and International Business. 

    Own Brand


    In the Own Brand team, we spend our time immersed in products - eating, designing, and developing great products to inspire our customers. We collaborate across the whole business (with central teams and subject matter experts) and our suppliers.
     
    The skillset that we develop ensures success including problem solving, project management, supplier relationship,  communication skills and above all, a love for food.  
     
    No two days will be the same and as a Graduate: you will learn how to develop innovative and world class products working with local and international suppliers and ensuring we meet our Quality and Sustainable commitments.  
     
    You will spend your time immersed in products – eating them, checking specifications, visiting the factories and farms and problem solving with suppliers to ensure we always meet the highest quality.
     
    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotational options: Own Brand central team

    Preferred education background/interest: Business, Commerce, Management, Supply Chain, P&C, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, and International Business.

    Safety


    Above all, we value the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and customers.
    You will have the opportunity to impact the lives of our team members by how they feel about their workplace and how they remain safe whilst at work. You will also ensure that our customers are provided with a safe shopping experience and ensure the safe handling of our food products. We do this by partnering with all Business Units, Store Development and Operations so that all new concepts and innovations land safely in Stores.  
     
    You will partner with leaders across the business to design workflows and environments that are safe and operationally efficient, participating in and completing risk assessments and trials to validate safety data. If things do go wrong, you will also participate in investigations to understand the root cause and what controls can be implemented to eliminate the risk.   

    Length of program: 2 years

    Rotation options: Mind Your Health Program, 
    Food Safety, People Safety, Store Design and Innovation, Injury Management and Workers Compensation

    Preferred educational background/interest: Commerce, Business, Economics, Law 

    Supply Chain


    Bridging the gap between our suppliers, distribution centres and stores, our Supply Chain team works with thousands of trusted businesses every day. We work hard to make life easier, safer and more sustainable across our network, as well as maintain the availability and quality of our products for our customers.

    The supply chain stream will focus on two key roles, a supply planner and a demand planner across a range of business units.

    As a supply planner, you will monitor and manage availabilities for key categories, implementing range reviews, aligning on promotions with demand and managing capital targets.

    As a demand planner, you will assist in the promotional plan review and forecast, promotional sell through, review forecast bias, review week to date set ups and new line forecast reviews. 

    Length of Program: 2 years

    Rotation options: Meat, Bakery, Deli & Seafood, Grocery Dairy, Freezer & Convenience, Non-Food 

    Preferred educational background/interest:
    All disciplines 

    What you need to know

    coles graduates sitting at a table
    Who can apply?
    • Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents at the time of application can apply.
    • If you hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) by October 31st 2024 that is valid until at least February 14th 2028, you are eligible to apply for the Technology stream.
    • You'll have completed a bachelor’s degree before commencing the program.
    coles graduates sitting at a table
    Can International Students apply?
    International Students can apply within the Technology stream.

    ​​​​​​​To be eligible for the program, you must hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) by October 31st 2024 that is valid until at least February 14th 2028.

    Coles graduates sitting at a table
    What's the process?
    Candidates interested in applying will need to go through a four-step process, which involves completing an online application, an online assessment and video interview, attending a Discovery Center, and progressing through the offer stage if successful.
    Coles graduates standing at reception
    How do I apply?

    We invite you to fill out your Expression of Interest for our 2026 Graduate Program. We’ll get in touch and invite you to apply once applications open.

    Weigh in on innovations used by millions

    Technical, business focused or creative, you’ll find endless career paths to explore!
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    Get a guaranteed job at the end

    Plus, you might be eligible for a salary increase in the second year. 
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    Learn and grow with an Accelerator Coach

    An Accelerator Coach will act as your mentor and support your career progression throughout the grad program.
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    What our Graduates are saying

    Anthony Tripodo
    "Grads are taught to drive their careers, reach out to leaders in the business they would want to work with, build a strong network and take great pride in the work that they do."

    ​​​​​​​Eliza Donaldson
    Marketing Graduate
    Chris Allen
    "An inquisitive mind will shine, and your desire to learn or understand how things work is far more important than what degree you come with ."

    ​​​​​​​Matthew Gennaccaro
    Technology Graduate
    Image from Victoria Xu
    "Coles is very supportive of providing opportunities for team members to move laterally so that they can broaden their knowledge and skills in different areas of the business."
    Victoria Xu
    People & Culture Graduate