Explore Coles jobs across supermarkets and distribution centres, offering a wide range of roles for both entry-level candidates and experienced workers.
Opportunities are available in customer service, shelf stocking, online order picking and warehouse operations, with flexible shift options to suit different availability.
Available roles at Coles
Coles hires thousands of workers for store-based and distribution centre roles. Most positions are operational, entry level and practical, with training provided on the job.
Jobs are commonly available in:
- supermarkets (stores)
- distribution centres (DCs)
- online fulfilment and picking
- night-fill and replenishment teams
Supermarket in-store roles
These are the most common Coles jobs.
Common job titles
- Team Member
- Checkout Operator
- Night Fill Team Member
- Online Picking Team Member
Typical duties
- Customer service on the shop floor
- Stock replenishment
- Picking online orders
- Operating checkouts
What they look for
- Reliability
- Basic communication skills
- Availability for evenings and weekends
- No previous experience required
Distribution centre roles
Coles distribution centres support store operations nationwide.
Common job titles
- Warehouse Team Member
- Pick Packer
- Storeperson
Typical duties
- Order picking and packing
- Pallet handling
- Operating basic warehouse equipment
What they look for
- Physical fitness
- Attention to safety
- Forklift licence (advantage, not required)
Shift types and contract options
Coles offers:
- Casual roles (very common)
- Part-time roles (fixed hours)
- Full-time roles (less common, internal progression)
Shifts often include:
- early mornings
- evenings
- nights
- weekends
👉 Open availability greatly improves hiring chances.
Pay rates (approximate)
Rates vary by state and role.
| Role | Hourly rate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Store Team Member | $24–30 |
| Night Fill | $26–34 |
| Distribution Centre | $28–36 |
| Penalty shifts | higher rates apply |
How to apply
Applications are made directly through the official Coles careers website.
Where Coles roles are most common
Coles jobs are spread across urban, suburban and regional areas, which makes it one of the easiest large employers to access.
Roles are most common in:
- suburban supermarkets
- high-traffic metro stores
- regional towns
- large distribution centres near major cities
Because of the store network size, many workers find roles close to home.
Availability matters more than experience
For most Coles roles, availability is the main deciding factor.
Applicants with availability for:
- evenings
- weekends
- early mornings
- public holidays
are far more likely to be hired, even without prior retail or warehouse experience.
What Coles looks for in team members
Coles prioritises:
- reliability and punctuality
- willingness to work in a team
- flexibility with shifts
- basic communication skills
Formal qualifications are not required for entry-level roles.
Recruitment process: what to expect
The hiring process is simple and standardised.
Typical steps
- Online application
- Short video or phone interview
- Availability confirmation
- Right-to-work checks
Some stores conduct group hiring or quick interviews during busy periods.
Moving between roles and long-term work
It’s common for Coles team members to:
- move between departments
- increase hours over time
- transition from casual to part-time
- apply for internal roles
Internal candidates are often prioritised for new openings.
Common mistakes applicants make
Avoid:
- limiting availability too much
- applying for only one store
- underestimating night or weekend work
- focusing only on pay during interviews
Coles values team fit and reliability above all.
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply to multiple nearby stores
- Clearly list your availability
- Keep your resume short and practical
- Be open to different departments
- Respond quickly to follow-ups
Simple applications often perform best.
Is working at Coles worth it?
Coles is a strong option if you want:
- steady entry-level work
- flexible or part-time employment
- roles close to home
- opportunities to grow internally
It’s especially suitable for people entering or re-entering the workforce.
FAQs – Working at Coles
Do I need retail experience?
No. Training is provided.
Are shifts flexible?
Yes, especially for casual roles.
Can casual roles become permanent?
Yes, part-time roles often come from casual staff.
Are there night shifts?
Yes, especially for night fill and DC roles.
Typical shift patterns at Coles
Most Coles roles follow predictable weekly rosters, especially for part-time and night fill teams.
Common patterns include:
- Evening shifts after 4pm
- Night fill shifts (late evening to early morning)
- Early morning replenishment
- Weekend shifts
Casual team members may see some variation, but many stores keep consistent days and times once availability is set.
Physical demands of Coles roles
Store and distribution centre roles are physically active, particularly night fill and warehouse work.
Expect:
- standing and walking for long periods
- lifting and stacking stock
- repetitive movements
While not complex work, roles require:
- basic fitness
- ability to follow routines
- consistency across shifts
Coles vs other supermarket employers
Compared to similar employers:
- Coles → wide store coverage, strong internal movement
- Woolworths → similar structure, slightly different rostering
- ALDI → fewer staff per store, higher workload per shift
Coles is often preferred for:
- flexibility
- part-time opportunities
- ease of entry
Who Coles jobs are best suited for
Coles roles are ideal for people who:
- want steady entry-level work
- need flexible or part-time hours
- prefer working close to home
- are comfortable with shift work
They suit a wide range of workers, from students to long-term residents.
Peak hiring periods at Coles
Coles increases hiring during specific times of the year, especially for stores.
Hiring is strongest:
- before Christmas and Easter
- during major sales periods
- when new stores or refurbishments open
Applying during these periods often means:
- faster interviews
- more casual roles available
- quicker start dates
Entry-level pay vs progression
Most team members start at entry-level rates, but pay can increase with:
- length of service
- additional responsibilities
- moving into team leader or specialist roles
Night fill and weekend shifts also benefit from penalty rates, which can significantly increase weekly earnings.
Internal transfers and store changes
One advantage of working at Coles is the ability to:
- transfer to another store
- change departments
- adjust hours over time
This is especially useful if:
- you move suburbs
- your availability changes
- you want more or fewer hours
Is Coles a good long-term employer?
Coles works well as:
- a long-term part-time employer
- a stable secondary income
- a starting point for retail experience
Many employees stay for years because of:
- predictable rosters
- proximity to home
- internal opportunities
Online fulfilment and click & collect roles
Coles has expanded significantly in online orders and click & collect, creating additional operational roles.
Common job titles
- Online Fulfilment Team Member
- Personal Shopper
- Click & Collect Team Member
Typical duties
- Picking customer orders in-store
- Packing and staging orders for pickup
- Working to time targets
- Limited customer interaction
These roles are popular because they:
- involve less checkout work
- are task-focused
- suit people who prefer moving around rather than standing still
Night fill vs day roles: key differences
Understanding this helps applicants choose the right role.
Night fill roles
- Stocking shelves after store closing
- Less customer interaction
- More physical work
- Higher likelihood of penalty rates
Day roles
- Customer-facing
- More varied tasks
- Lighter physical workload
👉 Applicants open to night fill are often hired faster.
Distribution centre work vs store work
Coles distribution centres operate very differently from stores.
Store roles
- Closer to home
- Shorter shifts common
- More customer interaction
Distribution centre roles
- Higher hourly rates
- Longer shifts
- No customer service
- Physically demanding
Many workers move from stores to DCs for better pay and hours.
Safety and workplace expectations
Coles places strong emphasis on:
- manual handling procedures
- food safety standards
- workplace behaviour
- team cooperation
Entry-level workers receive:
- induction training
- on-the-job guidance
- clear task instructions
Performance and getting more hours
Team members who typically receive more hours:
- show up consistently
- accept extra shifts
- are flexible across departments
- maintain good attendance
Coles often offers additional shifts at short notice, especially during busy periods.
When Coles may not be the right fit
Coles roles may not suit people who:
- want fixed Monday–Friday hours only
- prefer office-based work
- dislike shift work
- want rapid pay increases
Understanding this upfront helps avoid mismatched expectations.
