Senior Principal Research Officer, Operations, Centre for Strategic Projects & Operations

A*STAR Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore seeks a Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership for campus operations across multiple research facilities. In this role, you will oversee facilities management teams, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with standards. Candidates should have at least ten years of experience in facilities management, with strong communication and leadership skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to enhance service delivery and drive satisfaction across the research community.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of experience in facilities or infrastructure management, with five years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing specialised facilities such as laboratories or clean rooms is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies for campus operations.
• Lead and manage multiple Facilities Managers across research facilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders.

Skills

Strong stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related discipline

Tools

Facilities management software

Job description

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for campus and facilities operations across multiple research campuses. The role ensures that infrastructure, facilities services, and operational systems effectively support world‑class scientific research, innovation, and collaboration. The Director will oversee multiple facilities management teams responsible for the delivery of integrated facilities services and ensure the seamless execution of service agreements. The role develops and implements strategies that enhance operational performance, strengthen service delivery, and drive client satisfaction across the research community. Serving as the senior operational interface with research institutes and corporate stakeholders, the Director also acts as the primary point of contact for high‑level client engagement and escalation management, ensuring strong relationships and operational excellence across all campuses.

Strategic Leadership & Operations Management

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support the organisation’s research and innovation mission.
• Provide oversight of campus operations across multiple research facilities, ensuring reliability, safety and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, operational processes and infrastructure utilisation.
• Support long‑term planning for campus expansion, laboratory upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Facilities & Campus Management

• Lead and manage multiple Facilities Managers and operational teams responsible for day‑to‑day campus facilities operations.
• Ensure seamless delivery of facilities management services in accordance with service level agreements (SLAs), contractual obligations and organisational policies.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, asset management and building systems operations across research campuses.
• Ensure facilities supporting specialised environments such as laboratories, clean rooms and advanced research facilities operate safely and efficiently.
• Conduct routine operational and compliance assessments to ensure adherence to SLAs, policies and regulatory requirements.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders including research institutes and campus leadership.
• Manage high‑level client interactions and operational escalations to maintain strong relationships and service standards.
• Work closely with institute directors, research leaders and corporate functions to align facilities services with scientific programme needs.
• Drive client satisfaction through proactive engagement and continuous improvement of service delivery.

Governance, Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with relevant safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Develop, maintain and continuously update standard operating procedures and operational playbooks for campus facilities management.
• Establish operational governance frameworks and performance metrics to monitor service delivery across campuses.
• Promote best practices in safety, sustainability and facilities management.

Data, Reporting & Performance Management

• Support data collection, analysis and reporting to monitor operational performance and align with organisational goals.
• Use facilities management systems and tools to track maintenance, service performance and asset management.
• Provide insights and reports to senior leadership to support decision‑making and strategic planning.

Financial & Resource Management

• Lead facilities savings and optimisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets related to facilities maintenance, repairs and capital improvements.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of operational resources and long‑term infrastructure sustainability.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Build and lead high‑performing facilities management teams across multiple campuses.
• Foster a strong culture of accountability, safety and service excellence.
• Mentor and develop operational leaders and facilities managers to strengthen organisational capability.

Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related discipline.
• At least ten years of experience in facilities or infrastructure management, including five years in a leadership role managing teams or multi‑site operations.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, maintenance management and facilities management best practices.
• Experience managing specialised facilities such as laboratories, clean rooms or advanced manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary operational teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and client relationship management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Deep understanding of safety, regulatory compliance and sustainability principles in facilities operations.
• Proficiency with facilities management software and operational management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to translate operational insights into strategic improvements and outcomes.