Deputy Director, Digital People Platforms & HR Technology

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR – Agency for Science, Technology and Research is seeking a Deputy Director to lead the Digital People Platforms and HR Technology portfolio. You will steer HR tech initiatives, including SAP SuccessFactors, automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve processes and the employee experience.

Lead product lifecycle, evaluate build-versus-buy options and manage vendors. Partner with ITSS, ETO and Cybersecurity to deliver measurable value while ensuring security and compliance across HR

Qualifications

• Degree in information systems, computer science, engineering, business, human resources or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant HR technology experience.
• Strong SAP SuccessFactors and S4/Hana experience in a complex enterprise environment.

Responsibilities

• Set the direction and roadmap for A*STAR’s people products and HR technology portfolio, including SAP SuccessFactors and AI-enabled solutions.
• Own the product lifecycle from needs assessment through implementation, adoption and continuous improvement; evaluate build-versus-buy options.
• Lead service journeys and business process redesign focusing on user experience over mere automation.
• Lead digital initiatives from problem definition through design, testing, implementation and benefits realisation, including prototyping workflows and AI solutions.
• Ensure HR systems remain secure, reliable and compliant with governance, privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI standards.
• Establish governance for product, automation and AI, including roadmaps, ownership and vendor management.
• Build capabilities across people-product management, SAP SuccessFactors, integration, workflow automation, Python, AI agents and digital delivery.
• Collaborate with P&C, ITSS, Cybersecurity and ETO teams to deliver measurable value.

Skills

SAP SuccessFactors

S/4 HANA

AI & automation

Python

APIs & Integrations

Workflow automation

Product management

Vendor management

Leadership

Security & privacy

Education

Degree in information systems, computer science, engineering, business, HR or related discipline

Tools

ServiceNow

Workato

Power Automate

Copilot Studio

Job description

Job Summary

The People & Culture (P&C) Division supports A*STAR’s mission by building the workforce, capabilities and employee experience needed to advance science and technology.

We are seeking a Deputy Director, Digital People Platforms and HR Technology to lead A*STAR’s portfolio of people products, HR technology, automation and AI-enabled solutions. The role will ensure that core HR platforms, particularly SAP SuccessFactors, remain reliable and fit for purpose, while using digital products, automation and responsible AI to improve how P&C works. This includes determining whether needs are best addressed through existing platforms, market solutions or secure in‑house development. The role will work with P&C teams, IT Shared Service (ITSS), Enterprise Transformation Office (ETO) and other Divisions to simplify processes and deliver user-centred solutions that reduce manual work, improve employee and manager experience and deliver measurable value.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the direction and roadmap for A*STAR’s people products and HR technology portfolio, covering SAP SuccessFactors and solutions supporting recruitment, talent, learning, workforce management, employee services, automation and AI.
• Own the product lifecycle from business needs and solution evaluation through implementation, adoption and continuous improvement. Assess emerging digital and AI products and determine whether to leverage existing platforms, buy market solutions or build in‑house.
• Work with P&C teams to do service journeys, redesign, business process re‑engineering and simplify processes, prioritise user experience before applying technology, rather than automating inefficient processes.
• Lead digital initiatives from problem definition through design, testing, implementation and benefits realisation. Prototype workflow, automation and AI solutions where appropriate and work with technology partners to productionise them securely.
• Ensure SuccessFactors, HR systems, integrations, automation and AI services remain stable, secure and reliable, with appropriate controls for releases, testing, access, privacy, cybersecurity, continuity and responsible AI.
• Establish product, automation and AI governance, including prioritisation, ownership, roadmaps, standards, vendor management and measures covering adoption, user experience, manual work reduction, cycle time, productivity, reliability and benefits.
• Build and lead capabilities across people-product management, business analysis, SAP SuccessFactors, integration, workflow automation, Python, AI agents, testing and digital delivery, working closely with P&C, ITSS, Cybersecurity and ETO teams.

Requirements

• Degree in information systems, computer science, engineering, business, human resources or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in HR technology, digital products, enterprise platforms, automation or digital transformation, including leadership experience.
• Strong SAP SuccessFactors, S4/Hana experience is required, including experience implementing, managing or enhancing SuccessFactors in a complex enterprise environment, with understanding of its modules, configuration and integrations.
• Experience managing enterprise digital products or HR technology across their lifecycle, including translating business problems into solutions and evaluating build-versus-buy options.
• Strong AI and automation experience is required, with demonstrated ability to identify and apply suitable use cases to improve processes, productivity and user experience.
• Experience with enterprise workflow and automation platforms such as ServiceNow, Workato, Microsoft Power Automate, Copilot Studio or comparable technologies.
• Strong technical understanding of Python and AI agents, with the ability to prototype solutions and guide integration of AI models with enterprise data and systems through APIs and other integration methods. Able to assess technical feasibility, challenge solution designs and guide teams in developing secure, scalable AI solutions.
• Good understanding of product management, process redesign, systems integration, data, security, privacy, responsible AI and technology governance, with experience managing vendors and implementation partners.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, product and technical judgement, customer orientation, stakeholder influence, people leadership and disciplined delivery. The individual should be technically capable of prototyping and challenging designs while remaining accountable for product strategy, delivery and business outcomes.

All new hires are appointed on a 3-year renewable contract in the first instance.