The organisation

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is a frontline service delivery agency of significant standing, our focus is on the protection of our community and environment. We are the world’s largest volunteer firefighting service, with over 70,000 members, proudly built on a strong tradition of service, trust, resilience, respect, and teamwork. For over 100 years RFS have been a vital part of the community, working hard to protect life, property and the environment from bush fires and other emergencies.

When you join the RFS you know you are part of something special, where they are here for the community – with heart, humanity, and an enduring promise to serve.

The opportunity

The Director, Fleet & Infrastructure is a newly created executive leadership role responsible for leading the strategic planning, production and management for NSW RFS firefighting appliances, vehicles, vessels. This role also leads the design and delivery of built infrastructure. Through both areas the RFS is able to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, Strategic Capability and leading a team of three direct reports, the Director, Fleet and Infrastructure will oversee quality assurance practices to mitigate risk and align with legislative and government policy compliance requirements. The role will also be responsible for supplier liaison and negotiation, ensuring consistent production and identifying cost saving opportunities.

The Director, Fleet & Infrastructure will work collaboratively with the Commissioner, the broader executive leadership team and a diverse range of stakeholders to enhance organisational capability in mitigating operational risks, delivering operational services and improving infrastructure resilience.

Our ideal candidate

For this role, we are seeking a commercial leader with demonstrated experience leading the strategic planning and project management of a fleet and infrastructure portfolio in a high risk and decentralised context with a diverse customer base. Previous experience within the firefighting or broader emergency services sector is highly beneficial.

The successful candidate will possess a high level of business acumen and will be proven in contract negotiations and managing significant levels of risk across the funding, procurement and delivery of fleet and infrastructure functions. You will also have experience in forecasting, production planning and modelling over a period of multiple years. Significant senior leadership experience and the ability to develop and lead high performing teams with a strong focus on customer service, compliance and safety is also essential.

To be eligible for consideration for this role you must have:

• A Degree in Engineering, Logistics, Business Management or a related field or equivalent experience. Alternatively tertiary level qualifications in an emergency management related field with relevant experience leading fleet and infrastructure functions.
• A current Driver Licence and the willingness and ability to travel.
• During periods of major fire activity, the incumbent may be required to support operational management activities consistent with their skills and background.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jess Lewy or Simon Wybenga of The Orchard Talent Group via email [email protected] quoting job reference #02

To apply, please submit your current CV and a 1-2 page cover letter via email to [email protected] quoting job reference #02. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

Please submit your application no later than 11:59pm Wednesday 11th June 2025. Please note a concurrent executive search is underway through Orchard Talent Group.

Recruitment Information – NSW Rural Fire Service

• We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal people, LGBTIQA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• The recruitment process may involve a range of assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role (aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.
• A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.