Assistant Director (Innovation)

Role overview

This position is focused on leading innovation across the organisation and supporting major transformation efforts across different business areas. The role calls for someone who can build innovation strategies using human-centred design, new technologies, and data-based insights, while also encouraging adoption, managing stakeholder communications, and driving change initiatives that help scale solutions and improve operational performance.

Key responsibilities

• Build partnerships and operating frameworks that speed up solution creation and technology transfer.
• Create end-to-end digital innovation roadmaps together with structured change management plans.
• Track the progress and impact of innovation efforts and prepare regular updates for stakeholders.
• Lead innovation labs, hackathons, and fast-prototyping activities using agile ways of working and design thinking.
• Spot emerging technologies and digital trends that can improve employee experience.
• Design communication plans across multiple channels to strengthen a culture of innovation.
• Create digital knowledge-sharing platforms and communities of practice that support collaboration across teams.
• Represent MINDEF/SAF at industry conferences and public-sector transformation forums.

Challenges in the role

• Managing organisational change in a tightly regulated defence setting while balancing speed of innovation with risk control.
• Connecting established organisational structures with modern innovation approaches to support cultural change.
• Helping position MINDEF/SAF as a recognised voice in public-sector digital innovation through partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Requirements

• A qualification in any discipline.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in innovation management, digital transformation, and organisational change, with a strong record in change management, culture transformation, and digital adoption strategies.
• Strong working knowledge of design methods, digital strategy, agile practices, and change psychology.
• Proven leadership in guiding cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.
• Exposure to public-sector transformation work and regulated environments will be an advantage.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and business judgment to turn technical ideas into strategic value.
• Excellent communication and presentation capabilities.
• Self-motivated, while also able to work effectively as part of a team.

Additional information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.