Manager Operational Improvement and Lessons, Clerk Grade 9/10, Wollongong

• Lead lessons management and continuous improvement across NSW SES.
• Use evidence, research and analysis to strengthen operational capability and support better decisions.
• Temporary position, 21 January 2027 to 22 July 2027, leave backfill arrangement.
• Location: State Headquarters, Wollongong.

About the opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead the Operational Improvement and Lessons team and help NSW SES turn operational experience, evidence and research into practical improvements. You will oversee the systematic collection and analysis of observations, coordinate After Action Reviews, manage research involvement and provide clear strategic advice to senior leaders. Working across a volunteer-based emergency service, you will build trusted relationships, support a positive learning culture and help ensure improvements are reflected in people, policy, doctrine, resources and service delivery.

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.

The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis. 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.

With over 11,000 volunteers and 550 staff, we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here.

About you

To be successful in this role you will:

• Be an experienced leader who can guide a small team, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex and changing environment.
• Bring strong facilitation, analytical and critical-thinking skills, an understanding of research and research utilisation, and the ability to turn diverse evidence into practical advice and recommendations.
• Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, and build collaborative relationships with senior leaders, operational personnel, volunteers, government agencies, researchers and other partners.
• Have demonstrated experience in project management, change management and strategic planning, including monitoring risks, milestones and benefits.
• Have a thorough knowledge of AIIMS principles and processes, and emergency management arrangements.

What we can offer you 

• You will enjoy a 35-hour work week, with the potential for flexible work arrangements.
• You can enjoy a hybrid work environment, time in the office and time working from home.
• Attractive salary range of $xxx to $xxx plus 12% superannuation and leave loading.
• Our work is meaningful and rewarding. The SES’s mission is saving lives and creating safer communities and you can be an important part of our work.
• We have attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
• We care about our people. We have Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services to support our people and operational and leadership training and development opportunities to develop our people. Some of these include:
• Fitness Passport
• LinkedIn Learning
• Member Assist Program for free confidential counselling support
• Immunisation program.

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 recruitment@ses.nsw.gov.au for confidential advice on options.

How to apply 

Your application should include as separate attachments:

• A cover letter (maximum of one page) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role;  
• Responses to each of the targeted questions (maximum of one page per answer); and
• An up-to-date resume of no more than three pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.

Targeted Questions

1. Describe a time when you turned operational experience, observations, research or evaluation findings into a meaningful organisational improvement. How did you identify the issue, engage stakeholders, analyse the evidence and support the implementation of change?
2. NSW SES operates in a complex environment with volunteers, staff, operational leaders, researchers and external partners. Tell us about a time when you influenced multiple stakeholders to support a new initiative, process or change that was not initially fully supported. What approach did you take and what was the outcome?

Want to know more?
If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Heather Stuart (heather.stuart@ses.nsw.gov.au) 

The role description is available here.

Considering a role in a Regional or Wollongong area?
The Welcome Experience is a free NSW Government service designed to support essential workers and their families who are considering a location change for work or who are relocating to regional NSW for work.   Support can include assistance with finding housing, access to health care schooling and childcare, helping partners connect with employment opportunities, and providing connection and information about local communities and services.  If you are considering a role at the NSW SES (either a regional or Wollongong Headquarters’ role), the Welcome Experience is available to you. 

To learn more about The Welcome Experience and check your eligibility, please visit The Welcome Experience | NSW Government.

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.

Applications close: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 11:55 pm.