Coles Night Fill Job: Complete Guide 2025
Working as a night fill team member at Coles is a popular position for students, second-job seekers, and those who prefer working outside regular business hours. If you’re considering applying for a Coles night fill position, understanding the role, pay rates, requirements, and what to expect will help you prepare and succeed.
This comprehensive guide explains what a Coles night fill worker does, how much you’ll earn (including night penalties), what the requirements are, and how to apply successfully. I’d like to know everything you need to know about working overnight shifts at one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains.
Quick Overview: Coles Night Fill Job
Position: Night Fill Team Member / Night Replenishment
Employer: Coles Supermarkets
Employment Type: Part-time, casual
Minimum Age: 15-16 years old (varies by store, many prefer 16+)
Experience Required: No previous experience necessary
Average Pay: $13-35+ per hour depending on age (plus night penalty rates)
Shift Times: Typically 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM or 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Hours: Typically 15-30 hours per week
Physical Demands: High – lifting, carrying, standing, walking for entire shift
What Does a Coles Night Fill Worker Do?
Primary Responsibilities
Unpacking Stock: Receiving deliveries, unpacking boxes and cartons, breaking down pallets of stock.
Restocking Shelves: Filling shelves with products according to planograms (shelf layouts), ensuring products are faced forward and neatly presented.
Stock Rotation: Rotating stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) method, checking use-by dates, removing expired products.
Building Displays: Creating promotional displays and end-of-aisle features according to company guidelines.
Pricing: Applying price labels and promotional tickets to products and shelves.
Cleaning: Sweeping aisles, cleaning spills, maintaining store cleanliness during shift.
Cardboard Management: Breaking down empty boxes and cartons, disposing of packaging properly.
Stock Organization: Organizing stockroom, managing backstock, keeping storage areas tidy.
Safety Compliance: Following workplace health and safety procedures, using equipment safely.
Team Collaboration: Working with team members to complete tasks efficiently, communicating about stock levels and issues.
Secondary Responsibilities
Inventory Management: Assisting with stock counts and inventory checks.
Reporting Issues: Notifying management of damaged stock, pricing errors, or equipment problems.
Customer Service (Limited): Occasionally assisting customers who shop during overnight hours (if store is 24-hour).
Special Projects: Assisting with store resets, planogram changes, and special merchandising projects.
Coles Night Fill Pay Rates 2025
Night fill workers receive base pay PLUS night penalty rates, making it one of the better-paid entry-level positions:
Base Hourly Rates by Age
15 years old: ~$11-12 per hour base (45-50% of adult rate)
16 years old: ~$12-14 per hour base (50-60% of adult rate)
17 years old: ~$14-16 per hour base (60-70% of adult rate)
18 years old: ~$16-18 per hour base (70-80% of adult rate)
19 years old: ~$18-20 per hour base (80-90% of adult rate)
20 years old: ~$20-22 per hour base (90-97.5% of adult rate)
21+ years old: ~$23-25 per hour base (full adult rate)
Night Penalty Rates (The Big Benefit!)
Night Work (after 10:00 PM before 7:00 AM): Additional 30% loading on base rate
Calculation: Base rate × 1.30 = Night fill rate
Example Night Fill Rates:
- 15-year-old: $11 base → ~$14.30/hour with night penalty
- 17-year-old: $14 base → ~$18.20/hour with night penalty
- 21+ adult: $23 base → ~$29.90/hour with night penalty
Weekend Night Shifts (Even Higher Pay!)
Saturday Night: Time and a half (1.5x) PLUS night penalty
- Effective rate: ~1.95x base rate
- 21+ adult: ~$44.85/hour
Sunday Night: Double time (2x) PLUS night penalty
- Effective rate: ~2.6x base rate
- 21+ adult: ~$59.80/hour
Public Holiday Night: Double time and a half (2.5x) PLUS night penalty
- Effective rate: ~3.25x base rate
- 21+ adult: ~$74.75/hour
Example Weekly Earnings
17-year-old working 20 hours per week (all night shifts):
- 20 hours × $18.20/hour (with night penalty)
- Total: ~$364 per week
21+ adult working 30 hours per week (all night shifts):
- 24 hours weeknight: $29.90/hour = $717.60
- 6 hours Saturday night: $44.85/hour = $269.10
- Total: ~$987 per week
Note: Plus 11% superannuation paid into your super fund.
Requirements to Become a Coles Night Fill Worker
Essential Requirements
Age: Minimum 15-16 years old (many stores prefer 16+ due to late hours and physical demands)
Right to Work: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa
Tax File Number (TFN): Required for payment processing
Bank Account: For direct deposit of wages
Physical Capability: Able to lift and carry moderate to heavy weights (15-25kg regularly), stand and walk for entire shift (6-8 hours), bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks
Availability: Able to work overnight shifts (typically 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM), including weekends
Reliable Transportation: Able to get to/from work during late night/early morning hours (public transport often limited)
Desirable Qualities
Physical Fitness: Good stamina and strength for demanding physical work
Efficiency: Able to work at good pace to complete tasks within shift
Attention to Detail: Accuracy in stock rotation, pricing, and shelf presentation
Reliability: Punctual, consistent attendance (crucial for overnight shifts)
Teamwork: Works well with colleagues, communicates effectively
Independence: Able to work with minimal supervision
Adaptability: Comfortable working overnight hours, adjusting sleep schedule
Safety-Conscious: Follows safety procedures, uses equipment properly
No Experience Required
Coles does not require previous night fill or retail experience. They provide comprehensive training for all new team members.
Coles Night Fill Training
Induction (Day 1)
Company Overview: Coles history, values, culture, and expectations.
Policies and Procedures: Store policies, safety procedures, employee conduct, breaks.
Store Tour: Familiarization with store layout, stockroom, staff areas, emergency exits.
Systems Introduction: Overview of inventory systems, communication tools, equipment.
Night Fill Training (Week 1-2)
Stock Handling: Proper lifting techniques, using pallet jacks and trolleys, unpacking procedures.
Shelf Replenishment: Reading planograms, stocking shelves correctly, product facing and presentation.
Stock Rotation: FIFO method, checking dates, removing expired products.
Pricing: Applying price labels, promotional tickets, shelf edge labels.
Equipment Use: Using pallet jacks, stock trolleys, ladders, and other equipment safely.
Cleaning Procedures: Sweeping, cleaning spills, maintaining tidy work areas.
Safety Training: Workplace health and safety, manual handling, emergency procedures.
Shadowing: Working alongside experienced night fill team members.
Ongoing Development
Advanced Skills: Building displays, planogram changes, inventory management.
Cross-Training: Opportunities to learn other departments and roles.
Leadership: For those interested, training for team leader or supervisor roles.
How to Apply for Coles Night Fill Job
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet minimum age requirement (15-16 years) and can work overnight hours.
Step 2: Visit Coles Careers Website
Go to careers.coles.com.au and search for “Night Fill” or “Night Replenishment” positions in your area.
Step 3: Create Account
Register with your email address and create a profile.
Step 4: Complete Application
Personal Information: Fill out contact details, availability, work rights.
Resume: Upload resume highlighting physical fitness, reliability, and any relevant experience.
Screening Questions: Answer questions about availability for overnight shifts, physical capability, and work preferences.
Availability: Clearly indicate you can work overnight hours and weekends.
Step 5: Submit Application
Review everything and submit. You’ll receive confirmation email.
Step 6: Interview
If selected, you’ll be invited for interview (phone or in-person) focusing on:
- Availability for overnight work
- Physical capability
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Understanding of the role
Step 7: Job Offer
Successful candidates receive job offer with shift times, position details, and hours.
Step 8: Orientation and Training
Complete orientation and night fill training before starting regular shifts.
Tips for Getting Hired for Coles Night Fill
- Emphasize Overnight Availability
Make it clear you can work overnight hours and have reliable transportation.
Example: “I have full availability for overnight shifts including weekends, and I have reliable transportation to get to and from work during these hours.”
- Highlight Physical Capability
Night fill is physically demanding. Show you understand and can handle it.
Example: “I’m physically fit and comfortable with manual labor. I regularly [play sports/go to gym/do physical work], so I’m confident I can handle the lifting and standing required.”
- Demonstrate Reliability
Overnight shifts require extremely reliable team members.
Example: “I understand that overnight shifts require exceptional reliability because there are fewer team members. I have perfect attendance at [school/current job] and always arrive on time.”
- Show You Understand the Role
Demonstrate you know what night fill involves.
Example: “I understand night fill involves unpacking stock, restocking shelves, rotating products, and maintaining store presentation while the store is closed or quiet. I’m ready for the physical demands and overnight hours.”
- Explain Why You Want Night Work
Have a good reason for preferring overnight shifts.
Example: “I prefer overnight work because it allows me to [study during the day/work my other job/have daytime free]. I’m naturally a night person and work well during these hours.”
- Prepare for Physical Assessment
Some stores may ask you to demonstrate ability to lift boxes or perform physical tasks during interview. Be prepared.
- Address Transportation
Proactively address how you’ll get to/from work during overnight hours.
Example: “I have my own car and live only 15 minutes from the store, so getting to overnight shifts is no problem.”
- Show Teamwork
Night fill is team-based work.
Example: “I work well in teams and understand that night fill requires everyone working together efficiently to complete tasks before the store opens.”
Typical Coles Night Fill Schedule
Standard Night Fill Shift
Shift Time: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM (8 hours) or 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
Breaks:
- 30-minute unpaid meal break (usually around 2:00-3:00 AM)
- Two 15-minute paid breaks
Part-Time Night Fill (20-25 hours per week)
Example Schedule:
- Monday: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
- Wednesday: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
- Saturday: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
- Total: 24 hours per week
Casual Night Fill (15-20 hours per week)
Example Schedule:
- Tuesday: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
- Friday: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (8 hours)
- Total: 16 hours per week
Peak Periods
During busy periods (Christmas, Easter, school holidays), hours may increase to 30-35 hours per week.
Pros and Cons of Coles Night Fill Job
Pros
✅ Excellent Pay: Night penalty rates significantly boost earnings compared to day shifts.
✅ No Customer Interaction: Minimal customer service requirements (store usually closed or very quiet).
✅ No Experience Required: Perfect for those without retail experience.
✅ Quiet Work Environment: Peaceful, less hectic than daytime retail.
✅ Team-Based: Work with consistent team, build camaraderie.
✅ Physical Fitness: Get paid to exercise – very active work keeps you fit.
✅ Daytime Free: Days free for study, other work, family commitments, or personal activities.
✅ Career Progression: Path to team leader, supervisor, and management roles.
✅ Consistent Schedule: Usually same shifts each week, predictable routine.
✅ Employee Discounts: Discounts on Coles products.
Cons
❌ Overnight Hours: Working while others sleep, disrupts normal sleep patterns.
❌ Physically Demanding: Heavy lifting, standing, walking for entire shift – can be exhausting.
❌ Social Impact: Working nights can impact social life and family time.
❌ Health Considerations: Overnight work can affect sleep, health, and wellbeing if not managed properly.
❌ Limited Public Transport: Difficult to get to/from work without car during overnight hours.
❌ Repetitive Work: Tasks can become monotonous.
❌ Cold Environment: Stores often cold overnight, especially working in refrigerated sections.
❌ Weekend Work: Expected to work weekend nights.
❌ Irregular Sleep: Adjusting to overnight schedule can be challenging.
❌ Limited Advancement: Fewer management positions available for night shift workers compared to day shift.
Health and Safety Tips for Night Fill Workers
Physical Health
Proper Lifting Technique: Bend knees, keep back straight, lift with legs not back.
Take Breaks: Use breaks to rest, stretch, and recover.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout shift.
Wear Proper Footwear: Comfortable, supportive, closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Stretch: Stretch before, during, and after shift to prevent injury.
Report Pain: Don’t ignore pain or discomfort – report to supervisor.
Sleep and Wellbeing
Maintain Sleep Schedule: Try to sleep same hours each day, even on days off.
Create Dark Sleep Environment: Use blackout curtains, eye mask to sleep during day.
Avoid Caffeine Before Sleep: Don’t consume caffeine in last few hours of shift.
Eat Healthy: Maintain regular, healthy meals despite overnight schedule.
Stay Active: Exercise regularly to maintain energy and health.
Seek Support: If struggling with overnight schedule, talk to supervisor about options.
Career Progression from Coles Night Fill
Entry Level: Night Fill Team Member
Duration: 6-12 months
Pay: $13-35/hour depending on age (with night penalty)
Focus: Learning stock replenishment, building efficiency, proving reliability.
Level 2: Senior Night Fill Team Member
Duration: 1-2 years
Pay: $28-35/hour (with night penalty)
Responsibilities: Training new team members, handling complex tasks, assisting team leader.
Level 3: Night Fill Team Leader
Duration: 2-3 years
Pay: $32-40/hour (with night penalty)
Responsibilities: Supervising night fill team, managing tasks, reporting to night manager.
Level 4: Night Manager
Duration: 3-5 years
Pay: $50,000-70,000 per year
Responsibilities: Managing entire overnight operations, supervising all night staff, inventory management.
Level 5: Store Manager
Duration: 5-10+ years
Pay: $80,000-120,000+ per year
Responsibilities: Overall store management (usually day shift).
Note: Can transition from night fill to day shift management roles.
Common Questions About Coles Night Fill Jobs
Is night fill harder than day shifts?
Night fill is more physically demanding (heavy lifting, constant movement) but less mentally demanding (no customer service, less multitasking). The overnight hours are the biggest challenge for most people.
How do I adjust to working overnight?
Maintain consistent sleep schedule, create dark sleep environment, avoid caffeine before sleep, eat healthy, and give yourself 2-3 weeks to adjust. Most people adapt within a month.
Can I work night fill if I’m still in school?
Yes, if you’re 16+ and can manage overnight hours with school. Many students work 1-2 night shifts per week. However, it’s challenging to balance overnight work with school, so consider carefully.
Do I need a car to work night fill?
While not absolutely required, having reliable transportation is highly recommended as public transport is limited during overnight hours. Some workers carpool with colleagues.
Is night fill safe?
Yes, Coles has comprehensive safety procedures. You’ll work as part of a team, stores have security, and proper training is provided. Follow safety procedures and use equipment correctly.
Can I switch from night fill to day shifts?
Yes, internal transfers are possible. Once employed, you can request transfer to day positions when they become available. Many people use night fill as entry point then transition to day roles.
Do night fill workers interact with customers?
Minimal interaction. If store is 24-hour, you may occasionally assist customers, but it’s not primary responsibility. Most night fill work happens when store is closed.
What should I wear for night fill?
Coles provides uniform (usually red polo shirt or vest). You provide dark pants and closed-toe shoes with good support and grip. Dress in layers as stores can be cold overnight.
Conclusion
Working night fill at Coles is an excellent opportunity for those who can handle overnight hours and physical work, offering significantly higher pay than day shifts due to night penalty rates. With no experience required, minimum age of 15-16 years old, and positions available at Coles stores across Australia, night fill jobs are accessible to many job seekers.
The key to successfully landing a Coles night fill position is:
1.Emphasize overnight availability and reliable transportation
2.Demonstrate physical capability and fitness
3.Show exceptional reliability (crucial for overnight shifts)
4.Explain why you want night work (have good reason)
5.Understand the physical demands and show you’re ready
6.Prepare for the interview with relevant examples
7.Be honest about your ability to work overnight long-term
While night fill involves challenging overnight hours, significant physical demands, and potential impact on social life and sleep patterns, the benefits include excellent pay (especially with night penalties), minimal customer interaction, daytime freedom, physical fitness, and career progression opportunities.
Whether you’re a student seeking work that doesn’t interfere with classes, someone with daytime commitments, or simply prefer working overnight, Coles night fill provides a solid income with premium pay rates. Many current Coles managers started in night fill, proving this role can be the foundation of a successful retail career.
Good luck with your Coles night fill application!
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