Shaping the Future of Retail Through Data and Technology

When people think about technology in retail, they often imagine checkout systems or online shopping platforms. What many don’t see is the powerful role data and technology play behind the scenes - shaping everything from how our stores are stocked to how we personalise customer experiences.

I’ve been lucky enough to see this transformation up close throughout my 17-year journey with Coles. What began as a curiosity about how things work has grown into a career filled with purpose, impact, and constant learning.

Starting Out: From Developer to Data Leader

I joined Coles in 2008 as a Developer in the Merchandise (now Commercial) Technology team. Back then, I was fascinated by how technology could solve real-world problems and improve decision-making. Working in a fast-paced retail environment gave me a front-row seat to how tech directly influences business outcomes.

Over the next few years, I moved through roles as a Senior Engineer, Technical Lead, and Development Manager. Each step helped me build a stronger foundation - not just in technology, but in leadership and collaboration. In 2014, I made a big shift into the Data team. That move opened my eyes to the strategic potential of data across the entire business.

Today, I’m proud to lead a multidisciplinary team as Head of Data. We’re made up of delivery managers, data engineers, platform engineers, and governance specialists - all working together to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and innovative solutions that support Coles’ strategic priorities.

Creating Impact with Data

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve led has been our enterprise-wide data transformation program. We moved from traditional systems to a modern, cloud-based data platform. That might sound technical, but the impact is huge.

By streamlining our data infrastructure, we’ve made it faster and easier to get real-time insights across the business and deliver impactful AI use cases across the value chain. This means better decisions, greater agility, and a more personalised experience for our customers. It’s not just about technology, it’s about making Coles smarter, more responsive, and more innovative.

The Hidden Side of Retail Data

If there’s one thing that surprises people about working in data at Coles, it’s just how broad our impact is. Data touches nearly every part of the business. We’re not just crunching sales numbers, we’re helping shape supply chains, optimise store layouts, and even guide sustainability efforts.

Data at Coles is alive. It’s dynamic, complex, and deeply embedded in the everyday decisions that keep our business moving and evolving.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tech at Coles?

The future of technology at Coles is incredibly exciting. We’re moving into a world where AI, real-time analytics, and automation will allow us to predict and personalise every customer interaction at scale.

Whether it’s offering dynamic promotions, managing inventory more efficiently, or creating seamless digital experiences, data is at the heart of it all. And the lines between digital and physical retail are continuing to blur - with technologies like IoT, computer vision, and edge computing opening new possibilities for innovation.

In this future, data isn’t just supporting the business, it is the business.

My Advice for Anyone Considering Tech

If you’re thinking about a career in technology, my advice is simple: stay curious. The best technologists I know aren’t just great with tools or code - they’re problem-solvers who never stop asking questions.

Don’t be afraid to explore different areas early in your career. Whether it’s software engineering, user experience, or data science, getting a broad view can help you discover what truly excites you.

Remember that tech is a team sport. Collaboration and communication are just as important as technical skills. And finally, take charge of your own growth. Seek out mentors, stay connected to the tech community, and embrace change - it’s the only constant in this industry.

Working in technology at Coles has shown me that big impact doesn’t always come from big titles or big ideas, it comes from being part of something that touches millions of lives every day. If you're curious, collaborative, and ready to learn, there’s a place for you in tech at Coles. Click here to explore careers in Technology.