Introduction
The Procurement Officer at NSW SES helps secure the goods and services that support operational response and volunteer members. This ongoing Grade 5/6 role is based in Wollongong, with a hybrid working opportunity. It combines procurement documentation, supplier relationships and contract administration in an emergency-service setting.
The key to how to apply for Procurement Officer is planning three separate written components: a one-page cover letter and two targeted responses, each limited to one page. The questions test different things. One asks how you applied a procurement framework; the other asks how you managed a contract issue through communication with stakeholders and a supplier.
Prepare your two examples before drafting the letter. That gives the letter a clear job: explain your interest in NSW SES, show your overall fit and briefly address the essential requirements while leaving the detailed examples in their separate responses.
In this guide
Procurement Officer role snapshot
| Role | Procurement Officer |
| Organisation | NSW State Emergency Service |
| Location | Wollongong; hybrid working opportunity |
| Salary | Clerk Grade 5/6, $102,936 to $113,579 plus 12% superannuation and leave loading |
| Work type | Ongoing full-time |
| Closing date | Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11:55 pm AEST |
| Source job ID | 600321 |
Application requirements for Procurement Officer
The application instructions determine what the panel can assess. Prepare each requested document, keep within the stated limits and check that the uploaded files open correctly.
- Cover letter, maximum 1 page, addressing the essential requirements and your interest
- Responses to 2 targeted questions, maximum 1 page per answer, as separate attachments
- Current resume, maximum 4 pages
Questions to address
1. Describe a time when you applied your knowledge of procurement legislation or policy frameworks (for example, the NSW Procurement Policy Framework or a relevant procurement scheme) to guide a purchasing decision or resolve a compliance issue. What was the situation, how did you ensure your advice was compliant and fit for purpose, and what was the outcome?
2. Describe a time when you were responsible for administration of a contract and needed to liaise between internal stakeholders and a supplier to resolve an issue or improve how the contract was operating. What was the situation, how did you manage communication between the parties, and what was the outcome?
A cover letter template can help organise the letter. Adapt it to the specific instructions and examples for this role.
Candidate evidence for Procurement Officer
The evidence areas below are practical application guidance drawn from the work and applicant requirements. Choose examples that show what you personally assessed, decided and delivered.
| Requirement or evidence area | How to demonstrate it |
|---|---|
| Government procurement knowledge | Identify the rule, policy or scheme you used, explain its relevance and show how you translated it into practical purchasing advice. |
| Collaborative relationships | Describe how you worked with internal customers and suppliers, including differing expectations and the way you maintained trust. |
| Contract administration | Use a performance issue or contract improvement to show how you monitored obligations and secured an effective response. |
| Written and verbal communication | Show how your RFQ, procurement documentation, advice or conversations helped people understand their responsibilities. |
Example application structure for Procurement Officer
The application separates your short cover letter from the detailed targeted responses. The maximum is one page for the letter and one page for each answer. The outline and question guidance below help you give each document a distinct purpose.
| Cover letter section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Opening | Explain why you want to support NSW SES and connect your experience with procurement of operational goods and services. |
| Relevant experience | Briefly address your procurement, contract administration and communication experience, including the essential requirements. |
| Connection to the responses | Signpost the purchasing and contract examples developed in your separate answers. |
| Closing | Reinforce your interest and confirm that all required attachments are included. |
Responses to targeted questions
Use one detailed example for each response and keep each answer within one page. Save these responses as separate attachments, alongside the cover letter and resume.
| Targeted question | What a strong response would include |
|---|---|
| Describe a time when you applied your knowledge of procurement legislation or policy frameworks (for example, the NSW Procurement Policy Framework or a relevant procurement scheme) to guide a purchasing decision or resolve a compliance issue. What was the situation, how did you ensure your advice was compliant and fit for purpose, and what was the outcome? | Choose one purchasing decision or compliance problem. Name the framework you checked, explain the advice you gave and how you verified it, then describe the result and why the decision suited the operational need. |
| Describe a time when you were responsible for administration of a contract and needed to liaise between internal stakeholders and a supplier to resolve an issue or improve how the contract was operating. What was the situation, how did you manage communication between the parties, and what was the outcome? | Use one contract you administered. Explain the performance issue or opportunity, the interests of each party, the communication you led and the agreed action, followed by the improvement in service or contract operation. |
What the panel will want to see in your examples
- A named policy or procurement scheme applied accurately
- An explanation of your advice and its practical effect
- Contract responsibilities and performance evidence
- Clear communication that resolved a supplier or stakeholder issue
Before you submit
Check your dates, figures and responsibilities against your actual experience. Review the application form before the closing date of Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11:55 pm AEST, and leave time to complete any screening questions and confirm the attachments.
Return to the official vacancy and application portal for the final instructions. If you need help choosing examples or preparing the written documents, Team 3Thirty can help with your application.