Manager / Senior Manager (Sector Partnerships)

Overview

This is a contract position with Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), based in Changi, East Region, Singapore. The role sits within the Industry & Innovation Partnerships function and reports to the Assistant Director. The appointee will lead sector partnership efforts that connect SUTD’s research and innovation capabilities with external industry and institutional priorities.

Role Purpose

You will act as a key driver of strategic alliances, helping shape and deliver collaborative research and innovation initiatives, testbeds, and co-funded ventures. The position calls for someone who can operate at both strategic and execution levels, supporting senior leadership while also managing partnership development and delivery across a portfolio of complex engagements.

Key Impact Areas

• Support university leadership with high-level briefing packs, speaking points, and decision options ahead of principal engagements.
• Engage senior external stakeholders as the main working-level contact, uncover partnership opportunities, and align SUTD’s value proposition to their innovation needs.
• Own the full lifecycle of major partnership proposals, including the development of joint labs and research programmes, from discovery through MOU discussions and finalisation.
• Manage multiple strategic grants and partnership projects in parallel, while handling legal review, intellectual property matters, and financial oversight.
• Lead, coach, and coordinate partnership associates to ensure smooth operational delivery and strong execution quality across the portfolio.

Experience Profile

The ideal candidate brings 7 to 10 years of experience in business development, industry partnerships, or research commercialisation. You should be comfortable advising senior leaders, handling sensitive organisational dynamics with discretion, and building trust with multiple stakeholders. A strong record of winning substantial partnerships valued at more than $500K, along with experience negotiating legal and IP terms, is essential. In addition, you should have at least 2 to 3 years of people-management experience in a fast-moving, multi-stakeholder environment.

Why This Role

• Make a visible contribution to SUTD’s strategic reach through high-profile institutional partnerships.
• Take ownership of a defined sector portfolio with room for professional growth and progression.
• Work in a collaborative model that pairs strategic leadership with strong operational support to reduce administrative friction and improve outcomes.

Additional Information

This role is being recruited on a contract basis.