Regulatory Compliance Specialist - Hawthorn East

A new role means a new way to win together. We’ve been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and at the heart of our continued success lies our 115,000 team members working across the country. If you’re looking for a career-defining opportunity, take the next step and explore another way your work can have impact and make a difference.

About the team

For a company as big as ours, the regulatory environment is complex and increasingly evolving. Our Compliance team are trusted advisors to the business, building programs and providing advice and support to help our teams comply with these evolving requirements.  At Coles, we are passionate about delivering quality products and exceptional service to our customers. As a leader in the retail industry, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and regulatory adherence.

Responsibilities:

• Provides timely, accurate, and trusted regulatory compliance and licensing advice to business stakeholders. 

• Conducts thorough research and collaborates with internal stakeholders to inform recommendations on Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and licensing matters. 

• Actively participates in key initiatives and projects to identify regulatory risks and uncover business opportunities. 

• Delivers pragmatic, commercially focused guidance aligned with applicable laws and regulations. 

• Recommends and implements enhancements to strengthen compliance frameworks and processes. 

• Supports project delivery by ensuring appropriate controls and procedures are established in response to new or changing legislation. 

• Assists the Licensing team with end-to-end licensing activities, including applications, renewals, manager approvals and transfers, signage approvals, and general licensing administration where required. 

• Identifies training and capability gaps and supports the development of targeted compliance training solutions. 

• Ensures communications and training materials are clear, timely, and tailored to relevant audiences. 

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external partners.

Experience:

• Minimum two years’ experience in Compliance, Licensing, or a related field (e.g., Risk, Legal, Audit, Operations, or Quality Management). 

• Experience in liquor licensing or regulated retail environments is highly desirable. 

• Strong knowledge of Australian regulatory frameworks, particularly within a retail or operations context. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including influencing and negotiation capability. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. 

• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legislation and translate it into clear, actionable business guidance. 

• Customer-focused approach with the ability to balance compliance requirements and commercial outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline .

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.

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