SIRC Manager

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); Singapore; On-site; SGD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

The ABS Singapore Innovation and Research Center (SIRC) invites an experienced leader to drive its R&D agenda and external engagements, advancing ABS’s safety and innovation goals in the regional maritime sector.

You will oversee the research portfolio, build strategic partnerships with shipowners, yards, operators, and institutions, and shape technology roadmaps spanning digitalization, AI, robotics, and offshore engineering.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership in maritime R&D
• Track record of managing programs and strategic initiatives
• Master’s degree in engineering or related field
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Understanding of digitalization, AI, and offshore technologies

Responsibilities

• Lead SIRC’s R&D activities and external engagement
• Manage the research portfolio aligning with ABS priorities
• Build relationships with maritime and offshore stakeholders
• Identify industry needs and technology trends
• Oversee cross-functional project scoping and delivery

Skills

Maritime industry leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Job description

Job Description

The ABS Singapore Innovation and Research Center (SIRC) serves as a regional hub for research, innovation, and industry collaboration. SIRC conducts and supports R&D projects across a broad range of technical areas relevant to the maritime industry, including digitalization, shipbuilding, offshore technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering methods. The center works closely with a broad range of stakeholders, including shipowners, shipyards, offshore operators, technology providers, research institutions, government agencies, and ABS technical and business teams.

This role is responsible for leading SIRC’s R&D activities and external engagement in support of ABS’s vision of pioneering safety and innovation excellence.

What You Will Do

• Lead the ABS Singapore Innovation and Research Center and manage its research and innovation portfolio
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders across the maritime and offshore sectors
• Identify industry needs, technology trends, and strategic opportunities relevant to ABS and its clients
• Form, develop, and execute R&D projects aligned with business priorities and industry needs
• Work across internal and external teams to define project scope, objectives, partnerships, and delivery plans
• Ensure SIRC activities are aligned with ABS mission, vision, and strategic direction
• Provide leadership to technical teams and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution
• Represent ABS in meetings, technical forums, and collaborative engagements with industry and research partners

What You Will Need

• 10+ years of relevant work experience in the maritime industry
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a strong track record of managing teams, programs, or strategic initiatives
• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering discipline
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good understanding of technology trends and emerging demands within the maritime industry
• Demonstrated interest in innovation, research, and technology development

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of the maritime industry and its operational, technical, and commercial drivers
• Knowledge of relevant technologies, particularly digitalization in offshore, shipping, and shipbuilding
• Familiarity with robotics, artificial intelligence, and related emerging technologies
• Experience with and knowledge of multiphysics simulation is an advantage
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership, people management, and project management capabilities
• Ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders across industry, academia, government, and internal ABS teams
• Ability to connect innovation opportunities with practical business and industry applications

About Us

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.

ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job.