Deputy Director (Corporate Services), TCOMS

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A public research organization in Singapore is seeking a strategic leader to drive operational excellence, develop a high-performing team, and manage the full spectrum of corporate services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in corporate services management and extensive experience in fostering an inclusive organizational culture. This role encompasses strategic planning, people development, and financial governance to support the organization's mission and growth.

Qualifications

• Min 20 years experience in corporate services with a strong track record.
• Experience in R&D or public sector environments is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence across levels.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic and operational excellence of TCOMS.
• Develop integrated corporate services strategies to enhance productivity.
• Lead and develop a high-performing corporate services team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

People development

Project management

Stakeholder management

Financial oversight

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration or related

Job description

Job Responsiblities

As a key member of the leadership team, you will be responsible for driving the strategic and operational excellence of TCOMS. This role places strong emphasis on people development, cross-functional leadership, and the effective management of core corporate functions to support the organisation's mission and growth.

Strategic Leadership & Corporate Services Management

• Develop and implement integrated corporate services strategies that enhance organisational productivity, service quality, and operational controls.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans with measurable outcomes and clear timelines.
• Oversee the full spectrum of corporate services, including Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Grant Administration, Facilities Management and Corporate Communications.

People Development & Organisational Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing corporate services team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Champion talent development initiatives, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Design and implement strategies to attract, retain, and engage top talent.
• Plan and manage staff engagement and team-building initiatives that foster an inclusive culture and strengthen organisational cohesion

Human Resource Leadership

• Drive HR planning and operations, including manpower budgeting, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
• Manage external stakeholder relationships for secondments, joint appointments, and strategic talent partnerships.
• Oversee learning and development initiatives to build organisational capabilities and future-ready skills.

Financial Oversight & Governance

• Monitor and report on key financial indicators such as revenue, grant utilisation, and cash flow to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Lead the administration of grants and maintain effective communication with funding agencies and grantors

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Continuously review and enhance internal processes to improve efficiency, compliance, and alignment with A*STAR best practices.
• Develop and track operational metrics, delivering timely and accurate reports to TCOMS Board of Directors and Executive Management.

Corporate Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen TCOMS' corporate branding and public visibility through strategic communications and outreach.
• Oversee the planning and execution of workshops, training courses, and conferences to support knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement.

Other Responsibilities

• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support organisational priorities

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 20 years of experience in corporate services, with a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience managing corporate services in R&D, public sector, or innovation-driven environments is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, with a strong focus on talent development, employee engagement, and organisational culture.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills-both written and verbal-with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organisation.
• Adept at stakeholder management and building trusted relationships internally and externally.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and resilient, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to deliver under tight timelines.