Deputy Director, Strategy

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR Research Entities in Singapore is seeking a senior strategist to partner with senior leadership to shape, execute, and communicate the institute's strategic direction. Reporting to Senior Director, Strategy, you will translate big-picture priorities into actionable plans that drive outcomes across research portfolios, markets, and technology sensing.

You will build strategy documents, roadmaps, KPIs, and cross-functional workstreams; lead planning cycles; engage stakeholders; and grow a

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, technology, business, public policy or related field.
• Significant experience in strategy, corporate planning, research management, consulting, or public-sector planning.
• Ability to translate complex issues into clear priorities, workplans, and executive recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication with senior leaders and external partners.

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 workplans, research roadmaps, and implementation plans.
• Translate strategic priorities into programmes, milestones, KPIs, resource plans, and cross-functional workstreams.
• Oversee the planning cycle, including leadership offsites, 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.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

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

PhD / MBA or equivalent experience advantageous

Job description

Job Summary

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 workplans, research roadmaps, and implementation plans.
• Translate strategic priorities into programmes, milestones, KPIs, resource plans, and cross-functional workstreams.
• Oversee the planning cycle, including leadership offsites, 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, workplans, 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.