The Asset Performance Supervisor role with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) involves coordinating critical maintenance programs, supervising teams, and ensuring contractor compliance for properties under the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC). You’ll play a central part in shaping the state’s social housing landscape by managing budgets, overseeing repairs, and developing strong community outcomes.
From budget tracking to contractor oversight, this position requires a balance of technical expertise and people management skills.
You’ll work across multiple locations, helping to streamline housing services for individuals and families in need.
By joining a NSW Public Sector agency, you’ll contribute to a mission-driven environment that addresses housing security and community well-being throughout the state.
Ready to make a lasting impact? The Asset Performance Supervisor role puts you on the front lines of delivering essential housing services and tackling the challenge of maintaining a large-scale property portfolio. With the example cover letter in this guide and valuable insider tips, you’ll gain a competitive edge in public sector recruitment—helping you stand out from other applicants.
If you’re new to public sector recruitment, check out this unofficial guide to NSW Public Sector recruitment for more insider tips and context.
Asset Performance Supervisor Pay and Role Overview
| Position Title | Asset Performance Supervisor |
|---|---|
| Organisation/Entity | Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) |
| Job Location | Multiple Locations (Gosford, Liverpool, Mascot, Newcastle, Parramatta) |
| Work Type | Full-Time (Ongoing and Temporary Positions) |
| Base Pay | Clerk Grade 7/8 ($110,265 – $122,057) plus super and leave loading |
| Closing Date | 04/03/2025 – 11:59 PM |
Table of Contents
What does an Asset Performance Supervisor do?
The Asset Performance Supervisor position sits within the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), on of the many NSW Public Sector agencies committed to providing and maintaining social housing and support services throughout New South Wales.
In this supervisory role, you will be responsible for developing and coordinating quarterly programs of maintenance works for LAHC’s extensive housing portfolio. You’ll manage a team of Asset Performance Officers, track contractor performance, and maintain essential building standards.
Effective communication, problem-solving, and strong leadership are critical to thriving in this agency, where priorities can shift rapidly in response to the changing needs of communities across the state.
Working in property management within the NSW Public Sector comes with unique challenges. As an Asset Performance Supervisor, you must balance tight timelines with quality outcomes, ensuring that quarterly maintenance programs meet both budget constraints and building code standards. Overseeing multiple sites—some of which may be located in different regions—requires adept logistical planning and a proactive approach to contractor compliance.
In addition, you’ll face the day-to-day complexity of managing a diverse team. Maintaining high performance across multiple office locations can be demanding, especially as you respond to urgent maintenance needs, budget fluctuations, and unforeseen complications. Navigating these challenges effectively sets the foundation for better outcomes for tenants and communities.
Why the Asset Performance Supervisor is a great opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity to transition from the private sector to the public sector. As a talent pool recruitment, multiple positions are available across the state, and if you’re successful, you may be offered future vacancies over the next 18 months.
Roles are available in various locations, including Gosford, Liverpool, Mascot, Newcastle, and Parramatta. This position offers the chance to oversee large-scale maintenance programs, improve asset performance, and develop leadership and project management skills in a dynamic environment.
With a competitive salary of $110,000 per year at Clerk Grade 7/8, plus government job benefits such as superannuation and leave loading, this role provides long-term career growth and stability.
Asset Performance Supervisor Application Requirements
When you’re ready to submit your application, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- An up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages), highlighting your relevant qualifications, skills, and any specific background in building maintenance or project management.
- A cover letter (maximum 3 pages) which addresses all of the essential role requirements listed below, and responses the two targeted questions
Target Questions For Asset Performance Supervisor
Target questions are a key part of public sector recruitment. These capability-focused questions require you to provide a clear example from your own experience, much like those asked in public sector interviews.
In your cover letter, you’ll need to address the following two questions:
- In 500 words or less, please outline how you have managed multiple team reports across multiple office locations? How did you maintain supervision and performance? What difficulties did you encounter and how did you manage them?
- In 500 words or less, please outline how you monitor and track budget expenditure across projects/sites and work programmes. Please outline how you have managed shifting budget priorities and over expenditure.
If you’re unsure about how to frame your answers, consider an expert cover letter review—this is the fastest, most affordable and effective way to boost your application.
Essential Role Requirements
In your cover letter, you will need to clearly cover all of the essential requirements of the role:
- Familiarity with Australian Building Codes, Australian Standards, and relevant government or commercial contracting standards.
- Relevant qualification and/or experience in building maintenance, construction, and field inspection.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and MS Project.
- A current, valid driver’s license.
You should also include in your cover letter any experience with:
- Ability to review compliance inspections of building essential services.
- Proven communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Logical decision-making and time-management abilities to navigate competing priorities and strict deadlines.
Ready to write your cover letter? Use this free public sector cover letter template to get started.
Asset Performance Supervisor Application Checklist
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Updated Résumé | Maximum 5 pages, showcasing relevant qualifications and achievements. |
| Cover Letter (free template here) | Maximum 3 pages addressing targeted questions and essential role requirements |
| Get your cover letter reviewed | Click here for an expert cover letter review |
| Apply online | Submit your application before the closing date |
Candidate Profile
Meet Maree, a highly skilled asset manager with extensive experience working for a prominent Sydney local council. Throughout her career, she has efficiently managed multiple sites, negotiated long-term maintenance contracts, and overseen major maintenance plans spanning everything from playgrounds to roads and parking lots.
To support Maree in highlighting her expertise and accomplishments, she used the free government cover letter template as a starting point. Below is the draft she has created, which demonstrates her adept management skills and her dedication to community service.
Example Cover Letter for Asset Performance Supervisor
Click here to download a free public sector cover letter template
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the role of Asset Performance Supervisor at the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC).
I am familiar with Australian Building Codes, Australian Standards, and relevant government and commercial contracting standards through my work overseeing large-scale maintenance projects in local government. I hold a relevant qualification in building management and have honed my practical experience supervising contract negotiations, site safety, and compliance. I am also proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and MS Project, ensuring efficient project scheduling and reporting. Additionally, I maintain a current, valid driver’s licence, enabling me to travel between various sites and offices to meet operational demands.
In 500 words or less, please outline how you have managed multiple team reports across multiple office locations? How did you maintain supervision and performance? What difficulties did you encounter and how did you manage them?
In a previous role as Asset Team Coordinator at South West council, I was responsible for overseeing maintenance teams stationed across three distinct office locations.
When I first assumed my position, the teams lacked a streamlined reporting process and felt disconnected from central management. Staff members were uncertain about the chain of command and the frequency with which updates were required, resulting in operational inconsistencies and delayed responses to urgent tasks. These teams handled playground repairs, community facility upgrades, and equipment checks, all vital for public safety and satisfaction.
I was asked to establish a supervision and performance monitoring system while retaining the autonomy of each location. My goal was to enhance communication, boost accountability, and ensure that each team delivered on performance targets.
My initial step was to conduct on-site visits to each office, meeting with team leaders to discuss their current challenges. I implemented a consistent reporting template, tailored to suit council guidelines, which detailed daily and weekly maintenance tasks, completion timelines, budget usage, and staff allocations. Recognising the importance of transparent communication, I scheduled weekly video conferences that brought together team leaders from all locations. During these sessions, we reviewed ongoing tasks, celebrated achievements, and identified any blocks or high-priority concerns. To maintain team spirit and a sense of shared purpose, I introduced cross-office visits where staff could learn new skills and observe different operational approaches. This helped embed a culture of knowledge-sharing and mutual support. I also established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on response times, adherence to building standards, and customer satisfaction metrics taken from community feedback.
By standardising documentation, enhancing communication channels, and providing regular leadership check-ins, performance metrics improved significantly. Teams gained clarity on expectations, felt supported, and reported a greater sense of involvement in decision-making processes. Response times to urgent tasks decreased, and customer satisfaction ratings rose. Although maintaining supervision across locations was initially challenging, the structured approach, aided by technology and clear outcomes, led to a more cohesive and high-performing network of teams. In the face of difficulties, such as staff shortages and competing deadlines, timely communication and shared priorities ensured we stayed focused on the larger council objectives.
In 500 words or less, please outline how you monitor and track budget expenditure across projects/sites and work programmes. Please outline how you have managed shifting budget priorities and over expenditure.
Last year I was tasked with overseeing the budgets for multiple maintenance programmes, including large-scale building refurbishments, playground upgrades, and equipment overhauls. With separate accounts and varied funding sources, there was often complexity in allocating resources and keeping track of spending in real time. Stakeholders, including finance officers and departmental heads, needed timely updates to ensure compliance with council and government regulations.
My main objective was to develop an effective system for capturing expenditure data, forecasting future costs, and identifying potential overspending before it became unmanageable. Additionally, I needed to accommodate shifting budget priorities, as council directives could change based on emerging community needs or revised policy mandates.
I began by consolidating all project budgets into a central Excel workbook, which was integrated with MS Project to align financial data with project timelines. This allowed for a dynamic update system so that when tasks were completed or rescheduled, associated costs would be automatically adjusted in the budget spreadsheet. Regular coordination with the finance department ensured that all project payments and contractor invoices were promptly recorded. Whenever a scope change occurred, I used contingency allowances or re-prioritised lower-urgency tasks to stay within approved limits. These budget shifts were communicated in a clear, transparent manner to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring everyone was aware of the rationale behind reallocation. I also implemented monthly budget review meetings where site managers could present their actuals versus projections, highlight any looming shortfalls, and propose remedies.
This approach created an environment of fiscal discipline and predictability. By thoroughly tracking each project’s financial health and aligning budgets with real-time progress, I was able to pre-empt over expenditure in most instances. When budget priorities shifted, I was able to respond swiftly by reducing spend on lower-priority projects. This not only demonstrated adaptability but also preserved the integrity of high-profile or new community led initiatives. Department heads and the finance unit appreciated the clarity of reporting, which facilitated better decision-making at all levels of the council. Over time, my team’s ability to manage shifting budget priorities without compromising on essential service delivery strengthened our relationships with both internal stakeholders and the wider community, reinforcing the council’s commitment to responsible governance and efficient use of public funds.
To further demonstrate the skills and experience I bring to this role, I was responsible for ensuring a network of community centres remained compliant with Australian Building Codes and essential service requirements.
My task involved coordinating with inspection teams and liaising with contractors and internal departments. I scheduled inspections in a way that minimised disruption to public events, prioritising high-traffic centres first. Using clear, direct communication, I informed all stakeholders about the timeline, purpose, and potential impact of the inspections.
Despite encountering tight deadlines when community events overlapped, I adapted by reassigning resources and compressing certain tasks without compromising on safety or quality.
The result was a completed series of inspections on schedule, full compliance with building standards, and positive feedback from both the public and council executives.
This example reflects my capacity to handle multiple responsibilities, engage stakeholders effectively, and make sound judgments under time pressures. By blending technical expertise with transparent communication and strategic planning, I consistently achieve outcomes that uphold public safety and align with the overarching goals of the council.
I look forward to discussing how my skills can support your asset management function.
With a strong public sector background, a commitment to compliance, and a passion for community well-being, I am confident in my ability to add value.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Maree
Explain the STAR Technique
The STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, and Result—provides a clear framework for illustrating how you handle challenges in the workplace. Drawing from real-world experience, you share the context (Situation), what you needed to achieve (Task), the steps you took (Action), and the outcome (Result). Public sector agencies use STAR responses as they highlight concrete accomplishments and problem-solving methods.
In the example cover letter above, three different examples are demonstrated using the STAR method. Maree has applied the STAR format in both responses to the target questions and, to further strengthen her application, has included an additional example that directly aligns with the essential requirements of the role.
How to Prepare for a Public Sector Interview
Interview panels in public sector recruitment often ask capability-based questions to gauge your ability to perform successfully. Here’s how to stand out:
- Review the Focus Capabilities: Open the role description and identify the key behavioural indicators.
- Brainstorm Examples: Reflect on real-life situations that showcase your skills for each capability.
- Match to Indicators: Ensure your examples align with requirements—for instance, demonstrating how you keep stakeholders informed.
- Use the STAR Method: Present your experiences in a structured manner so interviewers can see clear cause-and-effect in your stories.
- Practise & Use Notes: Rehearse your answers, and if allowed, refer to notes during the interview for extra clarity.
Below are three potential interview questions you might face:
- “Tell us about a time you had to juggle multiple asset maintenance projects simultaneously.”
- “How do you ensure budget compliance when project requirements suddenly change?”
- “Describe a situation where you had to negotiate with a contractor to address quality issues.”
For each question, consider how you’ll frame your response using the STAR technique. For instance, if asked how you manage multiple projects, you could discuss:
Situation: High-priority maintenance tasks across three separate locations.
Task: Meeting strict deadlines without compromising on quality.
Action: Setting up a transparent team reporting system, implementing weekly progress calls, and proactively coordinating contractor schedules.
Result: Completion of all projects on time, with improved communication pathways and fewer budget overruns.
To prepare even more thoroughly, consider downloading the public sector interview questions and answers workbooks. It provides additional examples and strategies tailored to NSW government roles.
Ready to Apply!
Ready to apply for the Asset Performance Supervisor role? Click here to apply on the official DCJ Careers site and submit your résumé and public sector cover letter. Remember to address the targeted questions thoroughly.
If you are serious about wanting to apply for this role, you should invest in a expert government cover letter review. This is the easiest way and most affordable way to strengthen your chances in public sector recruitment.
Best of luck with your application!
