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 ResponsibilitiesIT Governance & InfrastructureHave 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 ManagementLead 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 TransformationServe 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 BuildingLead 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 PerformanceSupport 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 ManagementDevelop 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 EssentialDegree 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.DesirableExperience 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 CompetenciesStrategic ThinkingInnovation & Continuous ImprovementCommercial AcumenProject & Change ManagementStakeholder EngagementVendor ManagementLeadership & InfluenceProblem Solving & Decision MakingCommunication & Presentation SkillsAdaptability & Resilience