IT Innovation Manager

The IT & Innovation Manager will play a key role in shaping and leading AKG Singapore’s technology, innovation, and digital transformation agenda.Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will oversee the organisation’s IT environment, manage external technology partners, lead key technology projects, and identify innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and business performance.This is a strategic and project-focused role for someone who enjoys going beyond traditional IT operations combining IT governance, technology leadership, AI and automation, digital transformation, vendor management, and business innovation.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence how technology is used across AKG Singapore and support the organisation’s continued growth and future business opportunities.Key ResponsibilitiesIT Governance & Infrastructure

• Take overall responsibility and accountability for IT operations across the organisation.
• Manage and oversee relationships with outsourced IT providers and technology vendors.
• Develop and maintain effective 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 and security vulnerabilities and implement appropriate 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 the implementation and optimisation of CRM systems, business applications, and digital platforms.
• Coordinate the development and enhancement of reporting dashboards, automated workflows, and system integrations.
• Lead systems consolidation and integration initiatives across business functions.
• Drive 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 new opportunities.
• Drive the evaluation, pilot, and implementation of AI, automation, and digital solutions.
• Develop technology 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.
• Help 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 the responsible and practical use of Generative AI and emerging technologies.
• Evaluate and manage AI-related platforms, licensing, and implementation opportunities.
• Partner with business teams to identify practical AI and automation use cases across service delivery and operations.
• Build organisational awareness and capability 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 strengthen 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 improve reporting, reconciliation, and business insights.Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Develop and communicate the organisation’s IT and innovation strategy and roadmap.
• 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 & ExperienceEssential
• 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