Venture Head, Ecotourism and Consulting

This role is hired under Mandai X, the growth accelerator and venture building arm of Mandai Wildlife Group.

We live in a world where the delicate balance with nature has been disrupted. Reversing this trend will require a global effort of unprecedented speed and scale.

An impossible task alone.

Which is why we challenge ourselves to reach 1 billion consumers, as potential for change can only happen when many come together.

And this is where Mandai X can make a difference. Working to influence changes in attitudes, decisions, and behaviours.

Leveraging over 50 years of experience in inspiring people to value and protect nature as part of the Mandai Wildlife Group, our efforts will spark, catalyse and accelerate innovative ventures in completely new domains to drive growth and impact beyond boundaries. Eliminating the well-entrenched trade-offs faced between commercial, human and the planet’s wellbeing; and blending everything together so that these usual conflicts faced are aligned.

We will redefine what a better life means; and unleash humanity’s collective power to make this change through impactful ventures that enable and empower individuals and companies with everyday choices that not only help them, but also make the world a better place at the same time.

Welcome to Mandai X.

People will not protect what they do not care about. Through our eco-tourism and consulting venture, we aim to spark love and care for nature and wildlife on a global scale, catalysing humanity’s appreciation for this world that we share.

As our Venture Head of Eco-tourism and Consulting, we are seeking an accomplished and visionary leader, who is driven to make a positive impact in the world through reimagining transformative wildlife experiences globally that deliver long-lasting conservation impact.

You will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership and overseeing all aspects and operations of the critical early stages of our ecotourism and consulting startup, including but not limited to developing our ecotourism destination and wildlife attraction design consultancy business beyond Singapore.

This is a unique opportunity to build a purpose-led business from the ground up, shaping its strategic direction, culture, and long-term success and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & CHALLENGES

1. Overall Vision & Strategy: Develop and implement a compelling vision and strategic roadmap for the ecotourism and consulting pillar, aligning with the overall Mandai X purpose and vision, focusing on scalable growth and impact.
2. Insights & Strategy: Stay ahead of industry & market trends, competitive landscape, customer needs & preferences, and emerging technologies to capitalise on opportunities.
3. Team Building and Leadership: Build, lead and mentor the team, fostering a culture in alignment with Mandai X values and nurturing them for continual growth. Manage and lead a team of domain specialists, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across diverse teams.
4. Innovation & Growth: Oversee the delivery and growth of eco-tourism experiences (such as eco-accommodation) and consulting services (such as wildlife attractions). Develop and commercialise innovative solutions that deepen affinity with nature through technologies to deliver phygital experiences.
5. Sustainability & Impact: Champion, embrace and measure social and environmental sustainable practices.
6. Business Development: Identify and develop key partnerships with tour operators, local communities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders.
7. Financial Performance: Responsible for the venture’s viable business model, budget and resource allocation, performance metrics, financial strategies and achieving sustainable growth and profitability.
8. Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the pillar operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
9. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (across MX, MWG and shareholder) as well as external stakeholders (local communities, government agencies, and relevant institutions).
10. Board, Investor & External Relations: Build and maintain relationships with shareholders, board of directors, industry leaders, and partners. Lead ongoing communication with our board and key stakeholders across the organization.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Tertiary Education with Degree in Business, Tourism, or related field.
2. At least 20 years of experience – preferably in hospitality, leisure and attractions industries, having served as a CEO or founder previously.
3. Track record of relentless pursuit of results and business growth in leadership positions in the above industries.
4. Strong entrepreneurial mindset with expertise in identifying new opportunities, building and launching new concepts, initiatives and businesses.
5. Global / Regional business development in cross-cultural settings, with robust skills in stakeholder management and engagement.
6. Strategic thinker who is able to translate strategy into impactful execution.
7. Excellent communicator and negotiator, who can effectively engage with diverse stakeholders while fostering trust and teamwork across all levels.
8. Self-motivated with a can-do attitude to reimagine the category to create compelling new offerings that transcend boundaries.
9. Values driven and aligned with Mandai’s purpose of a world where humans and nature can thrive in harmony.