Manager, Development Partner (contract appointment until 31 March 2029), SMU-X

HYPERSCAL SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.; Dublin; On-site; EUR 84,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University is seeking a senior professional to lead partnership development and industry engagement. You will identify and cultivate relationships with industry partners, design collaborative opportunities, and manage negotiations to align with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.

The role requires strong strategic thinking, excellent communication, and proven ability to deliver measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, or stakeholder management.
• Master's degree in business, management, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts.
• Strong strategic thinking with execution capability in partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with institutional objectives.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
• Conduct market scanning to identify trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
• Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
• Monitor progress and track outcomes, ensuring timely delivery of projects.
• Prepare reports on partnership pipeline, progress, and financial status.

Skills

Partnership strategy

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Business development

Proposal writing

Presentation skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Singapore Management University is a place where high-level professionalism blends together with a healthy informality. The 'family-like' atmosphere among the SMU community fosters a culture where employees work, plan, organise and play together - building a strong collegiality and morale within the university. Our commitment to attract and retain talent is ongoing. We offer attractive benefits and welfare, competitive compensation packages, and generous professional development opportunities - all to meet the work-life needs of our staff. No wonder, then, that SMU continues to be given numerous awards and recognition for its human resource excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partnership Development & Strategy
• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
• Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
• Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
• Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management
• Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
• Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
• Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking
• Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
• Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
• Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Financial Administration & Claims Processing
• Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
• Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
• Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
• Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support
• Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
• Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or stakeholder management.
• Master's degree in business, management, education, or related discipline is preferred.
• Experience working with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts.
• Familiarity with the digital economy, innovation, or applied learning ecosystems is an advantage.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability in partnership development.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal writing and presentation.
• High level of organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong market awareness and ability to translate industry needs into collaboration opportunities.
• Adaptive, proactive, and comfortable working in dynamic, evolving environments.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to institutional values and outcomes.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on delivering measurable impact for both partners and the university.

OTHER INFORMATION

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.

Please note that your application will be sent to and reviewed by the direct employer - Singapore Management University