Strategic Operations Assistant Manager / Manager

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore is seeking an organised Assistant Manager/Manager to support operations. The role includes strategic planning, resource management, and communication. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong organisational skills. This position is vital for ensuring efficient operations and advancing the institution's mission.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in operations, strategic planning, or project coordination roles.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, track milestones, and ensure timely execution.
• Strong multitasking abilities combined with problem-solving resourcefulness.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Assist in the day-to-day operational planning and resource management.
• Facilitate effective communication and stakeholder coordination.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Project management

Resource management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Science, Communication, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management systems (e.g. MS Project, Monday, Click-Up)

Job description

Organisation: Operations Unit, NATi

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Full Time

About NATi

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by A*STAR, is Singapore’s national platform dedicated to advancing RNA-based medicines and revolutionizing drug and vaccine development. NATi’s mission is to establish Singapore as a globally recognized hub of excellence in nucleic acid therapeutics research, clinical translation, and commercialization.

NATi focuses on key RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA). To drive this vision, NATi is building a biotech-like translational engine focused on asset and technology development spanning discovery to clinical development.

We are actively seeking passionate and committed professionals with deep corporate administrative skills and familiarity with biomedical research operations to join us in advancing the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics.

Position Overview

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Assistant Manager / Manager to join the Operations Unit at NATi. The role supports key operational areas including strategic planning (e.g., project and meeting coordination, timeline tracking), resource management (e.g., manpower, space, IT systems, supplies, logistics), cross-functional coordination (e.g., document management, process improvement), and communications (e.g., stakeholder engagement, internal/external messaging, events coordination) and other responsibilities within Operations Unit as needed.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, with strong organisational and communication skills, and proactively owns assigned responsibilities with limited guidance. This role plays a vital part in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and effective delivery of strategic initiatives that advance NATi’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Coordination

Support the planning and execution of strategic initiatives by coordinating meetings, preparing documentation, and tracking project timelines, milestones and deliverables

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and support alignment amongst teams through centralised documentation, streamlined processes, and continuous improvement efforts.

Ensure timely follow-up on action items, promote operational consistency, and drive efficiency across teams to achieve organisational goals.

2. Operational and Resource Management

Assist in the day-to-day operational planning and effective use of key resources - including manpower, physical space, IT systems and digital tools, supplies, and logistics.

Help monitor resource allocation across projects, flag operational risks or gaps, and support the implementation of practical solutions to improve efficiency and ensure alignment with strategic and operational priorities.

3. Communications

Facilitate effective communication and stakeholder coordination through scheduling, coordinating updates, maintaining communication channels and supporting the preparation of materials for internal and external audiences. Help build stakeholder alignment and ensure consistent messaging across the organisation.

Assist in event planning and execution, including logistical coordination and preparation of promotional materials.

Qualification and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Science, Communication, or a related field.

3–5 years of experience in operations, strategic planning, or project coordination roles.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects, track milestones, and ensure timely execution

Experience in resource management, including manpower, space, equipment, and digital tools

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience supporting stakeholder engagement.

Detail-oriented, organised, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Strong multitasking abilities, combined with problem-solving resourcefulness to support both operational and strategic objectives.

High proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365 and other relevant collaborative tools and applications (e.g. project management systems like MS Project, Monday, Click-Up etc.)

Proactive, with a willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities and a strong commitment to supporting the achievement of organisational goals.

Other Desirable Skills:

Prior familiarity with A*STAR or public sector operations is not a requirement but is a potential advantage.

Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) or operational efficiency frameworks.