Deputy Director, Strategy, IAIC

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is seeking a senior strategic leader to develop and execute the institute's strategic direction. This role involves partnering with senior leadership to shape research priorities and long-term growth plans.

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree and significant experience in strategy and research management. You will oversee strategic initiatives, engage stakeholders, and lead a high-performance team while influencing national R&D priorities. This position offers clear growth into senior leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferably with a PhD or MBA.
• Significant experience in strategy and corporate planning.
• Ability to translate complex issues into actionable plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop the institute’s overall strategy.
• Lead strategy document creation and annual planning.
• Oversee and engage stakeholders in strategy planning.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Research management

Education

Advanced degree in science, engineering, technology, business, or public policy

Job description

Role Overview

You will partner with senior leadership to shape, execute, and communicate the institute’s strategic direction. Reporting to Senior Director, Strategy, you will play a central role in strategic planning, research portfolio development, and market and technology sensing — translating big-picture priorities into actionable plans that drive real outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the institute’s overall strategy, including vision, priorities, research focus areas, and long‑term growth plans.
• Lead the creation and refresh of strategy documents, annual work‑plans, research roadmaps, and implementation plans.
• Translate strategic priorities into programmes, milestones, KPIs, resource plans, and cross‑functional workstreams.
• Oversee the planning cycle, including leadership off‑sites, strategy retreats, and annual planning sessions.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic alignment and collaboration.
• Build and lead a high‑performance, engaged, multi-disciplinary team.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, technology, business, public policy, or a related field; PhD, MBA, or equivalent experience is advantageous.
• Significant experience in strategy, corporate planning, research management, consulting, or public‑sector planning.
• Strong ability to translate complex scientific, organisational, and policy issues into clear priorities, work‑plans, and executive recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging senior leaders, research teams, and external partners.

Career Growth & Impact

• Shape national R&D priorities. You will directly influence how one of Asia’s leading public research organisations invests in science and technology — from AI and sustainability to advanced manufacturing.
• Work at the leadership table. You will partner with institute directors, government agencies, and ecosystem leaders, building a high‑level network across Singapore’s innovation landscape.
• See your strategy come to life. Unlike advisory roles, you will own the end‑to‑end journey from strategy formulation to execution — roadmaps, KPIs, resource plans, and cross‑team delivery.
• Grow into senior leadership. This role is a launchpad into senior R&D leadership, national science policy, or C‑suite strategy positions.