Manager / Senior Manager, Partnership (industry Engagement)

SUTD (Singapore University of Technology & Design); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology university in Singapore is seeking a (Senior) Manager of Partnership to nurture strategic relationships with industry partners and academic institutions. This role requires 3-5 years of experience in partnership development and a strong understanding of the higher education ecosystem. The successful candidate will lead engagement activities, generate funding, and drive collaboration to enhance EPD's initiatives. The position promises a dynamic environment focused on innovation and educational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in partnership development, ideally in a university or research environment.
• Proven experience in securing external funding and managing partnership documents.
• Strong understanding of the higher education and innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engagement activities with industry partners and government agencies.
• Generate resources and funding to support EPD’s mission.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Partnership development

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering, Business, Management, Education, or related field

Job description

About EPD

Engineering Product Development (EPD) Pillar is one of the four major pillars in SUTD. EPD offers a unique interdisciplinary and integrated engineering education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It fosters a multi-disciplinary environment helmed by faculty members from mechanical, electrical, material science, chemical, biomedical, and engineering design disciplines. EPD’s research and education also spans the field of robotics, healthcare, digital manufacturing, design science & engineering, optics & nanophononics, and sustainability. We actively collaborate with industry, government, and research institutions to create real-world impact, develop talent, and foster lifelong learning.

The Opportunity

As a (Senior) Manager of Partnership, you will be at the forefront of building and nurturing strategic relationships with industry partners, public agencies, and academic institutions. Your leadership will drive EPD’s education, research, design, artificial intelligence, and Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) initiatives. You will lead engagement activities, promote academic programs, and attract funding to drive innovation, foster industry collaboration, advance educational excellence, and expand opportunities for students.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engagement and promotion activities with industry partners, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and research institutions, aligned with SUTD and EPD’s priorities.
• Generate diverse resources and funding to support EPD’s growth and mission.
• Bring insights from external partners to inform EPD’s strategy and initiatives.
• Build and sustain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders across sectors.
• Track, monitor, and report on partnership pipelines, engagement activities, and impact metrics.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations for the Head of Pillar and senior leadership.
• Review and manage NDAs, MOUs, and collaboration agreements in line with university policies.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Bachelor’s in engineering, Business, Management, Education, or related field;
• 3–5 years’ experience in partnership development, industry engagement, business development, or research/education collaboration, ideally in a university, research, or innovation-driven environment.
• Proven experiences in securing external funding, cross-functional collaborations, and managing partnership documents (proposals, MOUs, NDAs, collaboration agreements).
• Strong understanding of the higher education, research, and innovation ecosystem, especially in engineering, design, AI, or product development.
• Professional, honest, and detail-oriented approach.

Desirable

• Analytical thinker with strong business and partnership development skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management, relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proven project management, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Strong analytical skills for tracking, evaluating, and reporting on performance and impact.
• Familiarity with university governance, funding mechanisms, and compliance processes.