Deputy Director of SAF Market Development

Careers@Gov; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainable aviation firm in Singapore is seeking a Deputy Director for SAF Market Development to strategize and expand the voluntary SAF market. The role requires 12-18 years of experience in business development within the energy or aviation sector and exceptional leadership skills. As part of a dynamic startup, you'll collaborate across functions and engage with various stakeholders to drive innovation in the SAF ecosystem. This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of sustainable aviation in the region.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Impactful role in sustainability

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 12-18 years in energy, aviation, or sustainability sectors.
• Strong understanding of SAF and biofuel.
• Exceptional commercial acumen and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development of Singapore's voluntary SAF market.
• Develop comprehensive market engagement strategies.
• Monitor global developments in SAF markets.

Skills

Business development

Market development

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

What the role is

About SAFCo. The Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (SAFCo) is a mission-driven entity supporting Singapore’s national SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) policy. SAFCo manages SAF levy collection, procures SAF to meet regulated demand, and develops the voluntary SAF market. As a lean and agile startup, SAFCo is building foundational capabilities to ensure operational excellence, transparency, and credibility in the SAF ecosystem.

Role overview. This role reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAFCo. As the Deputy Director, SAF Market Development, will lead the strategic development and expansion of Singapore’s voluntary SAF demand market. This role will drive market origination, partnership building, and programme innovation, working closely with the Director of Sustainability & Programme Management and other senior leaders. The Deputy Director will serve as SAFCo’s commercial and market development lead for voluntary SAF, ensuring alignment with global best practices and supporting Singapore’s ambition to be a regional SAF hub.

What you will be working on

Voluntary SAF Demand Programme Development & Management

• Spearhead the end-to-end strategy, design, launch, and scaling of voluntary SAF programs, beginning in Singapore and expanding across the APAC region, in alignment with global best practices.
• Oversee programme milestones, deliverables, and stakeholder communications to ensure timely, high-impact execution and alignment with SAFCo’s strategic objectives.
• Lead the structuring of innovative offtake agreements, co‑investment models, and multi‑party demand aggregations with corporates, airlines, and logistics partners to accelerate voluntary SAF adoption and market liquidity.
• Establish robust governance and reporting frameworks for voluntary SAF programs, ensuring transparency, traceability, and alignment with international standards (e.g., IATA, CORSIA).

Stakeholder Engagement & Account Management

• Provide expert guidance and onboarding support to corporates, freight forwarders, and aviation partners, enabling their participation in voluntary SAF programs and supporting their net zero and Scope 3 decarbonization goals.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with industry leaders, government agencies, and international partners—including SAF EA registry operators—to strengthen SAFCo’s market presence and influence.
• Serve as SAFCo’s principal spokesperson on voluntary SAF market development, championing the adoption of robust chain‑of‑custody models and the recognition of SAF EA in corporate sustainability reporting.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert, delivering technical guidance on SAF Environmental Attribute (EA) mechanisms, certificate issuance, transfer, and retirement, and the integration of SAF EA into corporate climate strategies.
• Maintain strong, trust‑based partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure effective alignment between voluntary demand signals and SAF supply, supporting market growth and integrity.

Go‑To‑Market and Partnership Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive market engagement strategies, including potentially formation of buyer alliances or partnership, participation in SAF EA marketplaces, and the design of scalable distribution models for SAF and SAF EAs.
• Represent SAFCo in industry forums, policy consultations, and with key stakeholders to advocate for voluntary SAF market growth, harmonised chain‑of‑custody protocols, and the acceptance of diverse accounting methodologies.
• Oversee the structuring and implementation of innovative commercial models—such as book‑and‑claim, mass balance, and pooled procurement—to stimulate voluntary demand and broaden market participation.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Sustainability & Programme Management to ensure programme alignment with leading sustainability frameworks (e.g., CORSIA, ISCC, RSB), and to maintain audit readiness and certification integrity.
• Integrate market intelligence and stakeholder feedback into SAFCo’s programme design and execution, driving continuous improvement and responsiveness to evolving market needs.
• Partner with procurement and sustainability teams to ensure seamless, end‑to‑end programme delivery and operational excellence.
• Support the CEO in strategic planning, business development, and external representation, especially with leading corporates and alliances in Singapore, APAC, and globally.

SAF and Sustainability Market Intelligence

• Monitor global developments in SAF, SAF EAs and SAF certificate (SAF EA) markets, including major registries’ updates and international policy shifts, to assess implications for voluntary market growth, corporate adoption, and evolving market size and pricing dynamics.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert, staying at the forefront of emerging trends in corporate sustainability, including updates to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and major global SAF policy changes, to evaluate their impact on SAF and SAF EA’s development.
• Lead the development of robust carbon risk models and scenario analyses to inform SAFCo’s voluntary SAF market strategy, guiding the design, positioning, and global competitiveness of voluntary programmes.
• Collaborate closely with procurement and operations teams to align sustainability intelligence with cost‑effective, low‑carbon sourcing strategies and innovative pricing mechanisms, ensuring both commercial competitiveness and environmental integrity for SAF and SAF EAs.

What we are looking for

• Experience: 12–18 years in business development, market development, or commercial leadership roles in the energy, aviation, or sustainability sectors, with a strong track record in launching and scaling new markets or products.
• Expertise: Strong understanding of SAF and biofuel, carbon accounting, life‑cycle analysis, sustainability framework and certification, and aviation supply chains.
• Skills: Exceptional commercial acumen, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capabilities.
• Mindset: Visionary, entrepreneurial, and results‑driven, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Network: Well‑connected across APAC and global aviation, sustainability, and energy ecosystems.
• Collaboration: Able to work cross‑functionally with procurement and operation within SAFCo, with legal, finance and internal audits within CAAS and with wider aviation ecosystem partners.
• Comfortable working in a startup environment with multi‑hat responsibilities and cross‑functional collaboration.

Why Join SAFCo?

• Be part of a pioneering team shaping Singapore’s sustainable aviation future.
• Grow your career in a dynamic, purpose‑driven startup.
• Work closely with leadership and contribute to high‑impact initiatives.