Manager/Assistant Director (Planning), Community Relations Unit

Ministry of National Development; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of National Development is seeking a Manager/Assistant Director (Planning) in the Community Relations Unit to shape and manage critical systems, resources and partnerships for addressing severe neighbour noise disputes and hoarding cases across Singapore. You will oversee procurement, budget planning and training initiatives to strengthen the unit as it expands.

You will collaborate with frontline officers and partner agencies, analyse case trends, and drive policy and process

Qualifications

• Strong stakeholder engagement with frontline officers, partner agencies and vendors.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify systemic issues from case trends.
• Meticulous attention to detail in operations and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Adaptability and a drive to learn in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in procurement, contracts and budget management is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Work with CRU frontline officers to understand operational needs and co-create improvements to systems and processes.
• Analyse case trends to identify systemic issues requiring policy or operational interventions.
• Lead procurement of essential operational capabilities and manage related contracts.
• Manage Unit resources through budget planning, expenditure monitoring and forward planning.
• Strengthen training frameworks, identify capability needs and coordinate initiatives.
• Coordinate with partner agencies to share information and align operational approaches.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Adaptability

Procurement/contract management

Job description

What the role is:

The Community Relations Unit (CRU) was set up to address severe neighbour noise disputes and hoarding cases. CRU was piloted in Tampines HDB estates from April 2025, and the model was expanded nationwide on 1 September 2026. It is part of the enhancements to the Community Disputes Management Framework. While most neighbour disputes can and should be resolved through dialogue and mediation, a small number involve excessive and prolonged noise disturbances that cause significant distress to multiple residents. CRU focuses on these severe neighbour noise cases across public and private housing estates. As Manager/Assistant Director (Planning) in CRU, you will shape and manage key systems, resources and partnerships that enable CRU to function effectively, while strengthening its capabilities as operations evolve.

What you will be working on:

• Working closely with CRU’s frontline officers to understand operational needs, identify gaps and co-create practical improvements to systems and processes.
• Analysing case trends to identify systemic issues that may require policy or operational interventions beyond individual case management.
• Leading the procurement of critical operational capabilities and managing the related contracts, including those for case-management and composition-payment systems, noise sensors and auxiliary police services.
• Managing the Unit’s resources through budget planning, expenditure monitoring and forward planning to meet evolving operational needs.
• Strengthening and managing the Unit’s competency and training framework, including identifying capability development needs, sourcing suitable training programmes and resources, and coordinating training initiatives.
• Coordinating with partner agencies such as HDB, AIC, PA and Town Councils, as well as community partners, to facilitate information-sharing, strengthen partnerships and align operational approaches.

What we are looking for:

• Effective stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work with frontline officers, partner agencies, community partners and vendors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw insights from individual cases and broader trends, identify systemic issues and develop appropriate policy or operational interventions
• Meticulousness and strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability and a strong motivation to learn
• Experience in procurement, contract and budget management will be an advantage

About Ministry of National Development

The Ministry of National Development (MND), the lead government agency responsible for land use planning and infrastructure development, aims to transform Singapore into an endearing home and a distinctive global city. At MND, we aspire to create a quality, vibrant and sustainable living environment for our people. We also strive to shape Singapore into a world-class city of knowledge, culture and excellence – one which keeps pace with global challenges and the rising aspirations of Singaporeans. Our Vision: An Endearing Home, A Distinctive Global City. MND's vision reflects our growing emphasis not just on physical infrastructure, but also on the softer aspects of creating emotional attachment in our people, the global talents and corporations whom we attract here. At the same time, it articulates MND's goal of building upon Singapore’s unique distinguishing characteristics to develop Singapore as a global city of knowledge, culture and excellence. Our Mission: Develop World-Class Infrastructure. MND will provide quality physical infrastructure for the nation by working with our partners in the public and private sectors. Create a Vibrant, Resilient and Sustainable Living Environment. MND will strive to make Singapore a livelier and more exciting city, and ensure our nation is well-prepared to face the growing uncertainties and complexities. MND will also maintain the quality and resilience of our built and natural environment to ensure high standards of living, and carry out development that meets the needs of the present without compromising that of future generations. Provide Affordable and Accessible Public Housing. MND will commit to support Singaporeans' homeownership aspirations and ensure public housing remains affordable and accessible. Build Rooted and Cohesive Communities. MND will strive to foster our citizens' attachment and love for our homeland and maintain social cohesiveness in our communities, even as Singapore continues to be an open and globalised society.