IT Innovation Manager

About the company

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.

Your tasks

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.

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.

Requirements

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