Deputy Commissioner - Executive Director Operations -PSSE Band 2 - NSW SES
* Lead statewide operational strategy. Strengthen community resilience. Shape the future of emergency management in NSW.
* Join an inclusive volunteer‑based organisation with a diverse and growing membership dedicated to supporting and protecting communities across NSW.
* Senior Executive Band 2 role with a total remuneration package of between $312,914 and $350,333.
* Ongoing role located in Wollongong New South Wales, Australia.
About the opportunity
Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the NSW SES by leading state-wide preparedness and response efforts for floods, storms, tsunamis and other emergencies, strengthening the safety and resilience of communities across New South Wales.
The NSW SES is recruiting an ongoing Band 2, Deputy Commissioner - Executive Director Operations role. This role is responsible for:
* leading major incident responses, making rapid, high‑quality decisions in high‑pressure and emotionally charged situations.
* driving cohesive, collaborative and high‑performing governance across the Senior Executive Team, ensuring all portfolios operate with unity, accountability and shared purpose.
* strengthening relationships with partner agencies, government stakeholders and communities to enhance emergency response capability and build resilience.
* representing the NSW SES as a key spokesperson during major incidents, managing complex and sensitive matters under public and media scrutiny.
* leading and developing a growing operational workforce of staff and volunteers, ensuring they are trained, capable and ready to meet emerging community needs.
* the balance of competing demands of business‑as‑usual operations, operational readiness and response, and long‑term strategic projects in a rapidly evolving environment.
* overseeing the delivery of statewide operational programs and ensure integrated, effective service delivery.
Using advanced stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, the Deputy Commissioner Operations represents the NSW SES and builds strong, enduring relationships that support strategic emergency management objectives and strengthens the delivery of high‑quality operational services. This includes extensive engagement with emergency service agencies, interagency committees, NSW and Local Government bodies, the Minister's Office, and close collaboration with communities and NSW SES volunteers to understand their needs, particularly during emergencies.
During operational events, the Deputy Commissioner Operations serves as the State Duty Commander, leading emergency responses that demand rapid action in highly emotional circumstances involving communities under threat from floods, storms and other disasters.
About the NSW SES
Our Mission: NSW SES saving lives and creating safer communities.
Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.
At the NSW SES we value Trust, Accountability, Respect, Professionalism and Integrity, Safety and Service.
The NSW SES serves the NSW community as the lead combat agency for floods, storms, and tsunamis as specified by the
State Emergency Service Act 1989
. We are recognised as the most versatile and widely used emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well- trained in the wide variety of roles they perform.
Each NSW SES unit is as unique and varied as the community it serves, reflecting the vast mix of risks and roles required in the diverse locations and communities across the state. In addition to flood, storm and tsunami, the NSW SES provides specialist capabilities that include general land rescue, vertical rescue, road crash rescue, and alpine and remote area search and rescue.
There are 262 volunteer units across the state, and our volunteer units are either local, community-based units, state-wide or regional units established to provide specialist capabilities. They are varied and unique in their capabilities, designed to address specific risks to communities of NSW.
The NSW SES responded to over 54,000 incidents from the community over the 2024/2025 financial year with a total of 111,216 calls made by the public. Our workforce consists of over 11,000 volunteer and 550 full-time equivalent staff.
About you
To be successful in this role you will:
* Have extensive experience in leading and managing the effective preparedness and response to emergency events
* Possess knowledge of contemporary issues, challenges and approaches to emergency management
* Be a future focused leader that builds a cohesive and collaborate culture embracing innovation and reform across a diverse range of functions and activities
* Drive and embed effective stakeholder relationships including external stakeholders such as emergency service agencies, Minister's Office, SEOC and media entities to exercise influence, promote and represent the NSW SES as the lead agency for flood, storm and tsunami
* Have thorough knowledge of Emergency Management principles and processes, Strategic Command competencies and experience, and Level 3 Incident Controller qualifications.
What we can offer you
* Flexible working conditions subject to business and emergency operational requirements
* Meaningful and rewarding work. The SES's mission is saving lives and creating safer communities and you will be a key part of our work.
* Operational and leadership training and development opportunities
* Attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick and recreation leave.
* Wellbeing programs and services to support you and members of your immediate family such as Fitness Passport, Member Assistance Program, Vaccination program
* Executive automobile leasing and on-site parking
Find out more
If you have any questions please contact Samantha De La Torre, Senior Manager Recruitment & Workforce Strategy via email at or by phone on
You can view the Role Description
here
.
If you'd like more information about the NSW SES, here are links to the
NSW SES Adapt 2030 Strategic Plan
and the
24/25 Annual Report
.
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You Belong Here
* We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
* We want our people to reflect the diverse community we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. We want to know what this looks like for you so we can support your success at work.
* If you require reasonable adjustments, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you feel you may require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact Samantha De La Torre on or at for confidential advice on options.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit an application attaching as separate documents:
* A cover letter (maximum of two pages) outlining how you meet the essential requirements of the role and how your skills and experience are relevant to the role;
* An up-to-date resume of no more than four pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.
All applications must be submitted via I Work for NSW
Applications close: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Talent Pool
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months. Further information here