Senior Assistant Director/Deputy Director, Corporate Group Directorate

Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific research organization is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Office in Singapore. The successful candidate will lead strategic planning initiatives, deliver impactful communications to senior executives, and drive digital transformation projects. Ideal candidates will possess over 5 years of experience in corporate planning, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and excel at data analysis. This role offers opportunities for substantial career growth in a culture of innovation and strategic thought.

Benefits

Growth opportunities

Culture of innovation

Work with senior leaders

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of working experience in either strategic/corporate planning or relevant roles.
• Proven ability to build trust, inspire confidence, and lead teams through complex planning processes.
• Demonstrated ability to create executable plans and analyze data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Capacity to maintain composure and perform under extreme pressure from tight deadlines.
• Keen ability to anticipate issues and plan for contingency.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and implement high-impact initiatives with senior leadership.
• Deliver concise briefings to stakeholders translating complex data into clear policies.
• Spearhead digital transformation and review policies for efficiency.
• Design service level surveys for continuous improvement.
• Transform raw data into compelling visual stories for informed decision-making.
• Architect internal engagement platforms to enhance corporate culture.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Teamwork and Leadership

Data Analysis

Executive Communication

Creativity

Digital Transformation

Job description

What the role is:

Are you looking for a new exciting career in an organisation powering the scientific frontier of Singapore? Join the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), a world-class organisation that propels Singapore's scientific and economic future. The Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Office (DCECO) is the architect of a dynamic, agile, and forward-looking corporate service that empowers our researchers to innovate. We are looking for a proactive leader to join our team.

What you will be working on:

This is a rare opportunity to be a catalyst for change, working directly with senior leadership to conceptualize, design, and implement high-impact initiatives.

• Strategic Planning: Conceptualising near-term business initiatives and mid / long-term strategic projects with Corporate Group Divisions and other stakeholders to facilitate the achievement of Corporate Group's aims and objectives. Develop and drive Corporate Group's strategic planning exercise including strategy workshops, work plans and development of objectives and key results. Bridging within and outside of Corporate Group to understand different views, drive conversations and influence outcomes towards a common goal.
• Executive Communication and Briefing: Craft and deliver high-impact, concise briefings to senior leadership and key stakeholders. You will be responsible for translating complex plans and data into clear policy papers and presentations that inform executive-level decisions.
• Digital Transformation & Process Innovation: You will be tasked to review inefficiencies in policies and processes and spearhead the implementation of cutting‑edge digitalization and automation solutions (including GenAI). Your mission (should you choose to accept it :)) is to build a client‑centric, faster, and agile corporate environment for the future.
• Champion Service Excellence: You will be part of the team to design and launch service level surveys that act as a feedback engine for continuous improvement. The insights you gather will directly influence our strategy, helping us measure what matters and elevate the quality of our corporate services. You will be involved in benchmarking of corporate services and ensure A*STAR stays ahead of the curve and continuously innovates its operations.
• Data Analysis and Insights: Transform raw data into compelling visual stories through dynamic dashboards and insightful analysis. Your work will provide the clarity and foresight our leaders need to make critical, data‑informed decisions that shape the organisation's direction.
• Architect internal engagement platforms: From designing culture‑shaping leadership retreats to producing dynamic townhalls, you will craft experiences that forge powerful connections, build alignment, in the entire A*STAR Corporate Group.
• Special Assignments: Deployed to projects that require immediate, decisive action.

What we are looking for:

Required Skills and Experiences:

• At least 5 years of working experience in either strategic/corporate planning or relevant roles
• Teamwork and Leadership. Proven ability to build trust, inspire confidence, and lead team through complex planning processes
• Demonstrated ability to create executable plans and analyze data with a high degree of accuracy
• The capacity to maintain composure and perform under extreme pressure from tight deadlines
• A keen mind that can anticipate issues and plans for contingency

What you would gain by being part of Our Team:

• Growth Opportunities. This role is a proving ground for your career. You will gain exposure to senior leaders and diverse corporate functions. You would be encouraged to take on higher responsibilities in A*STAR.
• Culture of Innovation. Join a team that values creativity and embraces unconventional ideas.
• Adaptability. Fosters an incredible ability to adapt to dynamic situations and think creatively under pressure.
• Strategic Thinking and Pathfinding skills. You would be guided to analyze the implications of strategic decisions by the organisation and lead teams to complete projects without defined pathways.

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

MISSION: We 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; and 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.

VISION: A 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.