Senior Manager / Assistant Director (Central Operations)

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

Job summary

A*STAR is seeking a service-oriented, process-driven leader to join AIR Group's Central Operations team in Singapore. You will oversee day-to-day central operations, including payroll and allowance disbursement, procurement support and finance workflow, while ensuring service standards and governance are upheld.

You will manage outsourced provider performance, drive process standardization and automation, and partner with Finance, HR and Procurement to resolve issues and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related discipline.
• Proven people manager with experience leading, coaching and motivating a team.
• Experience in vendor management, preferably outsourced service delivery.
• Familiarity with government finance and procurement practices; internship and scholarship administration knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to drive process improvement, digitalisation and automation/AI initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Central Operations & Service Delivery, ensuring timely and accurate payroll, allowances, procurement and finance support, pass administration and invoicing.
• Set and monitor service standards and controls to ensure quality and compliance, driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR and Procurement to resolve operational issues and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Coach and develop the team, ensuring effective delivery and business continuity.
• Oversee outsourced operations, including KPI reviews, vendor management, and tender processes.

Skills

People management

Vendor management

Process improvement

Digitalisation

Automation

AI-enabled solutions

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Job description

Overview

A*STAR directs and undertakes mission-oriented research to transform Singapore into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. The AIR Group advances this mission by developing research talent through the A*STAR Graduate Academy (AGA), fostering global collaborations via the International Partnerships Office (IPO), and ensuring strong research governance and grant oversight through the Research Office (RO). Together, AIR Group builds talent, partnerships and research excellence across A*STAR.

Overview

A*STAR directs and undertakes mission-oriented research to transform Singapore into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. The AIR Group advances this mission by developing research talent through the A*STAR Graduate Academy (AGA), fostering global collaborations via the International Partnerships Office (IPO), and ensuring strong research governance and grant oversight through the Research Office (RO). Together, AIR Group builds talent, partnerships and research excellence across A*STAR. We are looking for a service-oriented, process-driven and people-focused leader to join AIR Group's Central Operations team. You will lead operational service delivery, drive process standardization and continuous improvement, and oversee our outsourced service provider to ensure effective performance and service outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Central Operations & Service Delivery
• Lead and oversee the team responsible for day-to-day central operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery across payroll and allowance disbursement, procurement and finance support, pass administration, invoice/GR processing and digital library management.
• Establish and monitor service standards and operational controls to ensure quality and compliance, address systemic gaps and drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with corporate functions, including Finance, HR and Procurement, to resolve operational issues and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Lead, coach and develop the team, providing guidance and support to enable effective delivery.
• Ensure business continuity and operational resilience through effective workload planning, cross-training and backup arrangements.
• Collaborate with IT teams to identify opportunities for automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Outsourced Operations Management
• Oversee the performance of the outsourced service provider across recruitment and onboarding, payroll and claims administration, due diligence and scholar, awardee and intern lifecycle support, ensuring agreed service standards and outcomes are met.
• Work with the outsourced service provider and stakeholders to improve processes, workflows and systems, and respond to changing operational requirements.
• Review the outsourced service provider's monthly KPI performance reports to validate service delivery and facilitate accurate and timely billing.
• Lead the biennial procurement of outsourced services, including defining requirements, developing tender specifications and driving the evaluation and selection process.
• Operational Governance & Approvals
• Serve as the designated approving authority for operational and financial transactions in the relevant systems, including claims, allowance disbursements, invoices, system user account reviews and letters of authorisation.
• Oversee the review and maintenance of SOPs to ensure they remain current and aligned with policy, process and operational requirements.
• Coordinate audits of operational processes, address findings and ensure timely implementation of follow-up actions.

Qualifications And Experience

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Proven people manager with experience leading, coaching and motivating a team to deliver effective outcomes.
• Experience in vendor management, preferably involving outsourced service delivery.
• Familiarity with Government finance and procurement practices; knowledge of internship and scholarship administration would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement, digitalisation and adoption of automation and AI-enabled solutions to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver within tight timelines.

All new hires are appointed on a 3-year renewable contract in the first instance.