Manager / Senior Manager, Strategic Planning & Impact

Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) invites applications for a Planning professional to shape strategic initiatives and resource stewardship across the Innovation & Enterprise Group. You will translate research and national priorities into actionable plans and performance frameworks.

You will work with data-driven insights, prepare dashboards and reports for oversight committees, and collaborate with industry, academia and public sector partners to drive innovation outcomes and

Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, corporate development, or innovation management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Good understanding of Singapore's R&D ecosystem and policy landscape.
• Ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in BI and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau; AI-enabled platforms).

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of data driven innovation and enterprise strategies aligned with strategic priorities.
• Translate priorities into actionable plans, funding initiatives and performance frameworks.
• Support resource planning and optimisation across the Innovation & Enterprise Group.
• Assist in structuring evaluative approaches to assess effectiveness of initiatives.
• Prepare reports, dashboards and presentations for Oversight Committee and stakeholders across A*STAR, industry, academia, and government agencies.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and engagements with companies, public sector agencies, and national research platforms.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

ChatGPT

Scenario planning platforms

Job description

What the role is:

The Innovation & Enterprise Group drives the translation of research into impactful outcomes by overseeing innovation and enterprise activities across A*STAR's research entities. We work closely with industry partners, public agencies, and academia to catalyze commercialization, foster public-private partnerships, and align research capabilities with national priorities. We are seeking highly motivated and adaptable professionals to join our Planning team, which plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives and resource stewardship for the Group and reports directly to the senior management.

What you will be working on:

• Support development and implementation of data driven innovation and enterprise strategies aligned with A*STAR's strategic priorities, and Singapore's economic and national R&D agenda.
• Contribute to translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, funding initiatives, and performance frameworks; including supporting the design of and refinement of relevant Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
• Support resource planning and optimisation of resource allocation across the Innovation & Enterprise Group to maximise strategic value and outcomes.
• Assist in structuring evaluative approaches to assess the effectiveness and relevance of I&E initiatives, drawing on quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform strategic choices and course-corrections.
• Prepare reports, dashboards and presentations for I&E Group's Oversight Committee and stakeholders across A*STAR, industry, academia, and government agencies to drive innovation outcomes.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance the Group's mission. Support senior management in strategic platforms, including engagements with companies, public sector agencies, and national research platforms.

What we are looking for:

• At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, corporate development, innovation management, or industry engagement, preferably in sectors such as Semiconductor, Connectivity, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, Medtech or Energy and Chemicals.
• Demonstrated experience working with data, evidence, and structured analysis to inform strategy, investment decisions, or programme design.
• Strong understanding of Singapore's R&D ecosystem, innovation policies, and enterprise development landscape.
• Demonstrated agility and resilience in navigating complex and fast-evolving environments.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, cross-disciplinary teams, and manage multiple priorities with clarity and focus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Impact-driven mindset, with a passion for translating R&D investments into meaningful economic and societal outcomes.
• Proficiency in using business intelligence, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, ChatGPT, scenario planning platforms) to support strategic foresight, planning, and decision-making.
• Meticulous and well-organized, with a systems-thinking approach to planning and execution.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About Agency for Science, Technology and Research

MISSIONWe advance science and develop innovative technology to further economic growth and improve lives. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) drives mission-oriented research that advances scientific discovery and technological innovation. We play a key role in nurturing and developing talent and leaders for our Research Institutes, the wider research community, and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore. As a Science and Technology Organisation, we bridge the gap between academia and industry in terms of research and development. In these endeavours, we seek to integrate the relevant capabilities of our research institutes and collaborate with the wider research community as well as other public sector agencies towards meaningful and impactful outcomes. Together with the other public sector entities, we develop industry sectors by:

• integrating our capabilities to create impact with Multi-National Corporations and Globally Competitive Companies;
• partnering Local Enterprises for productivity and gearing them for growth;
• nurturing R&D-driven Start-ups by seeding for surprises and shaping for success.

Our research, in addition, also contributes to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. These serve to enhance lives in Singapore and beyond. VISIONA global leader in science, technology and open innovation The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a catalyst, enabler and convenor of significant research initiatives among the research community in Singapore and beyond. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors, and bring science and technology to benefit the economy and society.