Assistant Director, Life Support Systems (Singapore Oceanarium)

The Assistant Director, Life Support Systems (LSS) Operations is responsible for leading the safe, reliable, and efficient operations of all aquarium life support systems to ensure exceptional water quality, water clarity, animal welfare, and guest experience. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the LSS team, overseeing system performance, maintenance, asset reliability, compliance, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with Animal Care, Facilities, Projects, Building Enhancement Team, Safety & Compliance, and external stakeholders to ensure world-class standards across all life support operations.Responsibilities Operations & System Performance:Lead and oversee the daily operations of all Life Support Systems (LSS), ensuring safe, reliable, and uninterrupted support of aquatic habitats.Maintain exceptional water quality standards that support the health, welfare, and sustainability of all aquatic livestock.Ensure high standards of water clarity across exhibits to enhance guest experience and presentation quality.Monitor and optimize system performance, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.Apply sound engineering and operational judgement to maintain critical water quality parameters and mitigate operational risks.Develop, review, and implement operating procedures, maintenance schedules, and best practices for all LSS operations.Leadership & Team Management:Lead, coach, develop, and supervise the LSS team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.Provide technical guidance and training to team members in all aspects of LSS operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety.Manage workforce planning, performance management, competency development, and succession planning initiatives.Ensure departmental capability and operational readiness meet current and future business requirements.Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement:Provide technical leadership in aquarium water treatment systems, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration processes.Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for LSS issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions to improve system reliability.Evaluate and recommend system modifications, upgrades, and engineering solutions to enhance operational outcomes.Support the design, specification, commissioning, automation, and optimization of life support systems and associated equipment.Maintain a strong understanding of biological systems and their interaction with water treatment processes.Oversee operating systems with integrated monitoring setups such as SCADA, Digital Twins, Maximo and SAP.Stakeholder & Vendor Management:Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal Business Units, external consultants, contractors, equipment suppliers, fabricators, and engineering partners.Collaborate cross-functionally to support new projects, exhibit enhancements, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives.Manage vendor performance and ensure services and products meet operational and quality expectations.Financial & Resource Management:Develop, manage, and monitor departmental Operating Expenditure (OPEX) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budgets.Ensure effective resource allocation and cost management while maintaining operational excellence.Support procurement activities and capital planning for equipment replacement, upgrades, and expansion projects.Safety, Compliance & Risk Management:Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, policies, and procedures.Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to minimize operational and environmental risks.Manage and organize both tabletop and Live simulation exercisesPromote safe working practices across all LSS facilities, including equipment rooms, construction sites, and operational areas.Ensure departmental operations meet or exceed industry best practices and international standards for similar facilities.Ensure compliance with local and related regulations, including AZA, WAZA, WSH, AALSO etc.Requirements Diploma or higher qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.AALSO Life Support Operator (LSO) Level III certification preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within an agreed timeframe.Minimum 10 years of experience operating large-scale aquatic life support and filtration systems.Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing technical teams, departments, or operational functions.Proven experience in aquarium water treatment, filtration technology, system automation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational management.Experience managing budgets, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional projects.Advanced knowledge of saltwater chemistry and aquatic life support systems.Strong understanding of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration processes applicable to aquarium environments.Advanced knowledge of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.Proficiency in automated control systems, instrumentation, pneumatics, electro-mechanical, and electro-optical devices.Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, engineering specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance manuals.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.Willingness and ability to learn and utilize internal software systems.Strong leadership, interpersonal, and people development skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence and collaboration across teams and departments.Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning capabilities.High attention to detail with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.Innovative mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and implement practical solutions that enhance operational effectiveness, financial performance, and guest experience.Ability to engage professionally and positively with guests, team members, contractors, and stakeholders in both routine and challenging situations.Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, public holidays, and emergency call-outs as required.Basic swimming ability is preferred for operational safety purposes.Ability to work in a variety of environments, including offices, outdoor locations, construction sites, and mechanical equipment rooms with elevated noise levels.Knowledge of AZA standards and/or accreditation process would be an advantage.