Manager/Senior Manager, Food, Nutrition & Human Potential Industry Cluster

Manager/Senior Manager, Food, Nutrition & Human Potential Industry Cluster, Innovation & Enterprise
A*STAR's Innovation & Enterprise (I&E) division comprises several units focused on developing research and innovation partnerships between industry and the Singapore research community, managing and commercializing A*STAR's IP and technology portfolio, and encouraging spin-offs. A*STAR I&E industry clusters cover a range of 9 industries, of which Food, Nutrition & Human Potential is one of the clusters.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Food, Nutrition & Human Potential Industry Cluster. The role will have an emphasis on technology business for the emerging and fast-paced growth sectors of Food & Nutrition, Food Manufacturing & Services whilst understanding health and human potential needs as we move towards a Healthier SG, and positioning SG as the choice partner in food innovation in the region as well as strengthening SG's food security and resilience efforts.

The role will allow you to:

• Identify key industry trends and work closely with other public agencies to devise strategies to leverage on the opportunities to build Singapore's food manufacturing and services sectors. This would include leveraging on strong domain and industry knowledge to understand the industry's aspirations and challenges and thereby design and execute differentiated strategies to shape the R&D food ecosystem from ideation to implementation as well as working with internal and external R&D performers to position Singapore as a choice partner in food innovation and development.
• Engage with companies to understand their businesses product/service offerings, technology needs, business strategy and R&D roadmap.
• Structure deals and facilitate partnerships between companies and research performers, to bring in new investments, products, and jobs into Singapore
• Build trusted relationships with C-suite/management executives across the industry.
• Assess and manage A*STAR's technology disclosures and IP portfolio in this space.
• Manage licensing and commercialization efforts in this space.
• Work with A*STAR and other research performers to scope projects/programmes and identifying potential off-takers as part of commercialization strategies. This may include applying for internal and external grants

Officers can expect a diverse and varied career, developing skills in areas such as business development, account management, IP commercial evaluation, venture creation and building, stakeholder engagement, contract management, technology licensing, corporate strategy and planning, project management and a strong understanding of how to apply technology to make a commercial and societal impact.

Individuals who are keen to see technology make a difference in industry and society, and who can handle the diversity and complexity of the business, government and academic worlds, will find a good fit with this role.

Job Requirements:

• Degree in Life Sciences, Food Science, Physical/Chemical Sciences, Materials or a related field; an MBA, or Masters/PhD is useful but not a pre-requisite
• At least 5 years of working experience in food & nutrition, food processing/manufacturing, life sciences, biomedical etc. A background in research, commercial or product design/development would be useful
• Good track record or prior experience in strategy development and implementation of strategies are desired
• A strong interest in technology and startups and to engage with entrepreneurs and innovators
• Good track record or prior experience in stakeholder management
• Able to identify and contextualize stakeholder issues, and manage them appropriately
• Able to appreciate and quickly understand new technologies and provide market assessment and their potential to be applied in different business contexts
• Broad vision of science and technology, able to handle diverse technical topics beyond one's direct field of education and experience, and excellent awareness of emerging technologies
• Effective and thoughtful communicator as well as presenter
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• A self-starter and problem solver who can proactively address any situation.
• Resourceful and able to work with minimal supervision, independently and in a team
• Willing, adaptable and flexible to take on required/necessary tasks beyond the job description

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.