Senior Manager / Assistant Director (USS IEO)

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is looking for a dedicated professional to join their team. This role involves understanding national priorities in technology and innovation, particularly in the Agri-Food sector. You will administer funding initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders to drive impactful projects.

The ideal candidate will possess a graduate degree and have at least 5 years of experience in related industries. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the Agri-Food sector or related fields.
• Ability to manage and contextualize stakeholder issues.
• Strong business acumen and financial analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Understand national priorities and market demands for key sectors.
• Administer the RIE2030 USS Translation Fund.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and influence decision-making.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Business development

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor / Master in Science, Technology, Engineering or Business Administration

Job description

Overview

The USS IEO is a national platform set up to drive I&E efforts for the USS domain. Housed within A*STAR’s Innovation & Enterprise Group, the Office works in partnership with various stakeholders, such as NRF, MND agencies, MSE agencies, economic agencies, A*STAR research institutions (RIs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) as well as companies to achieve value capture for Singapore in the form of new products and services, increased company revenue and creation of good jobs.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the national priorities, market demands, and industry needs for key sectors under the USS domain, aligned with national strategies such as Singapore Green Plan 2030 and various Industry Transformation Maps.
• Work alongside public research performers (i.e. IHLs and A*STAR RIs) with the relevant competencies and capabilities to address national and industry needs for key sectors under the USS domain.
• Understand and leverage I&E competencies and resources (e.g. funding initiatives and test-bedding / deployment opportunities) of various agencies to advance science and technology development and translation efforts for the USS domain.
• Administer the RIE2030 USS Translation Fund as part of the Implementing Agency, so as to commercialise publicly-funded technologies to address national priorities identified by agencies.
• Identify challenges which may hinder science and technology development and translation efforts for the USS domain, and where necessary, surface these issues to relevant authorities for intervention or resolution.
• Contribute to cross-sharing of networks and experiences to leverage and strengthen WOG’s I&E capabilities and Singapore’s innovation ecosystem for the USS domain.

You can expect a diverse and varied career, developing skills in areas such as account management, business-technology integration, marketing, grant management, IP management and licensing, project management, strategic planning and design innovation.

Individuals who are keen to apply science and technology to create impact on our economy and society, and who can handle the diversity and complexity of the business, government and research worlds, will find a good fit with this role.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor / Master in any discipline related to science, technology, engineering or business administration (marketing).
• At least 5 years of working experience in the Agri-Food sector, in either private or public entity, with established industry linkages to relevant companies. Candidates with prior experience in other related sectors (e.g. Resource Circularity and Water),grant management and business development/partnerships would also be considered favourably.
• Able to identify and contextualise stakeholder issues and manage them appropriately.
• Build, develop and promote strong, long-lasting relationships with stakeholders and companies by partnering them and understanding their needs.
• Passion to influence, to collaborate/ partner and transform start-ups and SMEs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong curiosity about technology and drive to bring new technologies to market.
• Strong business acumen, ability to do financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis and relevant industry expertise (for more senior position).
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Willing, adaptable and flexible to take on additional tasks beyond the job description.
• Self-starter, innovative and problem solver who is prepared to proactively deal with unexpected situations which may arise.