Manager, Development Partner (contract appointment until 31 March 2029), SMU-X

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University (SMU) invites a proactive Partnership Development Lead to shape and drive industry collaborations aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives. You will identify partners, design propositions, and manage engagements with senior decision-makers to ensure impactful outcomes.

The role requires at least five years in business development or partnerships, a strong network in industry, and the ability to negotiate project terms, NDAs, and budgets, while upholding SMU's

Job description

• Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
• Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
• Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
• Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management
• Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
• Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
• Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
• Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking
• Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
• Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
• Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
• Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
• Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
• Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support
• Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
• Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Responsibilities

• Partnership Development & Strategy
  • Develop and execute a partnership development strategy aligned with SMU-X and SMU-XL objectives.
  • Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with industry partners across priority sectors.
  • Conduct market and industry scanning to identify emerging trends, needs, and collaboration opportunities.
  • Design partnership propositions that align institutional goals with industry needs.
• Industry Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for industry partners, ensuring strong, trusted, and professional relationships.
  • Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders, decision-makers, and project teams in partner organisations.
  • Represent SMU at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to expand institutional visibility and partnerships.
  • Uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and institutional reputation in all engagements.
• Project, Operations & Collaboration Management
  • Work with internal stakeholders to scope, structure, and coordinate industry projects for SMU-XL.
  • Ensure clarity of project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and partner expectations.
  • Lead discussions and negotiations with partners on collaboration terms, including project agreements and NDAs.
  • Monitor project progress and partner engagement, addressing issues proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
• Governance, Reporting & Performance Tracking
  • Track partnership performance, outcomes, and impact using relevant metrics and data.
  • Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders on partnership pipeline, progress, financial status, and results.
  • Use data and insights to refine partnership strategies, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen collaboration effectiveness over time.
• Financial Administration & Claims Processing
  • Manage and process financial matters related to industry partnerships and SMU-X projects, including claims, reimbursements, and payments.
  • Prepare, verify, and submit claims and financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures.
  • Liaise with internal finance, procurement, and administrative units to ensure timely and accurate processing of payments and claims.
  • Track project-related expenditures, maintain proper records, and support basic budget monitoring for partnerships and projects.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional financial governance, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
• Team Support
  • Support the existing team in managing the increased volume and diversity of projects.
  • Help mitigate operational bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of projects.
  • Foster a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving within the team.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or stakeholder management.
• Master's degree in business, management, education, or related discipline is preferred.
• Experience working with industry partners, preferably in education, innovation, or skills development contexts.
• Familiarity with the digital economy, innovation, or applied learning ecosystems is an advantage.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability in partnership development.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including proposal writing and presentation.
• High level of organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong market awareness and ability to translate industry needs into collaboration opportunities.
• Adaptive, proactive, and comfortable working in dynamic, evolving environments.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to institutional values and outcomes.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on delivering measurable impact for both partners and the university.

Other Information

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.