The IT & Innovation Manager is responsible for leading AKG Singapore's technology, innovation, and digital transformation agenda.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will oversee all IT-related matters within the organisation, govern external IT service providers, drive technology projects, and identify innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, and business performance.
This is a strategic and project-focused role that combines IT governance, technology leadership, innovation management, vendor oversight, AI adoption, and digital capability building. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting organizational growth, government contract requirements, and future business opportunities through technology-enabled solutions.
Key Responsibilities
IT Governance & Infrastructure
- Have overall responsibility and accountability for IT operations within the organization.
- Manage and oversee relationships with outsourced IT providers and technology vendors.
- Develop and maintain IT governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure the availability, security, and integrity of organisational systems, networks, and data.
- Establish governance around data retention, email archiving, SharePoint lifecycle management, and access controls.
- Identify technology risks, security vulnerabilities, and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, data sovereignty, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Evaluate vendor performance, contract value, and service delivery standards.
Technology Project Management
- Lead the planning, implementation, and delivery of technology projects across the organisation.
- Manage project portfolios, timelines, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communications.
- Oversee implementation and optimisation of CRM systems, business applications, and digital platforms.
- Coordinate development and enhancement of reporting dashboards, automated workflows, and system integrations.
- Lead systems consolidation and integration initiatives across business functions.
- Ensure successful adoption of technology solutions through stakeholder engagement and change management.
Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Serve as the organisation's innovation lead by identifying emerging technologies and opportunities.
- Drive the evaluation, pilot, and deployment of AI, automation, and digital solutions.
- Develop recommendations that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and client outcomes.
- Support innovation-related components of tenders, government submissions, and strategic business initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal and global stakeholders to share best practices and technology innovations.
- Position AKG Singapore as a leader in technology-enabled employment and workforce services.
AI & Digital Capability Building
- Lead and coordinate organisation-wide AI adoption initiatives and digital capability programmes.
- Promote responsible use of Generative AI and emerging technologies.
- Evaluate and manage AI-related platforms, licensing, and implementation opportunities.
- Support business teams in identifying practical AI use cases across service delivery and operations.
- Build organisational awareness and literacy around digital transformation and innovation.
Data, Reporting & Business Performance
- Support data governance, data quality improvement, and reporting initiatives.
- Work closely with operational and business intelligence stakeholders to improve reporting capabilities.
- Ensure the development and maintenance of dashboards and performance reporting tools.
- Support data integrity requirements for audits, compliance reporting, complaints management, and contract delivery.
- Collaborate with Finance and Operations to ensure accurate reporting, reconciliation, and business insights.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and communicate the organisation's IT and innovation strategy.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, operational teams, vendors, and external stakeholders.
- Present technology recommendations and business cases to senior management.
- Support organisational planning through technology forecasting and roadmap development.
- Oversee IT-related budgeting, procurement, and resource planning.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to future IT team members as the function grows.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience Essential
- Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in IT management, technology leadership, digital transformation, or related roles.
- Proven experience managing technology projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong vendor and outsourced service provider management experience.
- Experience developing IT governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 technologies including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, and Copilot.
- Experience with CRM platforms, systems integration, and data quality management.
- Strong understanding of cloud technologies, cybersecurity principles, and IT infrastructure.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management capabilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable
- Experience implementing AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.
- Familiarity with Power BI, SQL, data pipelines, or business intelligence environments.
- Experience within government-funded, regulated, consulting, employment services, or public-sector environments.
- Experience supporting tender submissions, procurement exercises, or innovation-led business development activities.
- Exposure to post-acquisition systems integration and organisational transformation projects.
- Understanding of Singapore data protection, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Commercial Acumen
- Project & Change Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Vendor Management
- Leadership & Influence
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Adaptability & Resilience
