IT Innovation Manager

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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