General Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION: General Manager

About Singapore Canoe Federation:

The Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) is the National Sports Association (NSA) recognised by Sport Singapore and the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) as the governing body for paddle sports in Singapore. Established in 1971, SCF is responsible for the governance, development and promotion of paddling across all recognised disciplines.

As a non-profit Institution of a Public Character (IPC), SCF works in partnership with athletes, coaches, technical officials, affiliates, volunteers, government agencies, community organisations and international federations to develop a sustainable paddling ecosystem.

The Federation is committed to growing participation, developing athletes and people, delivering sustained high performance, and promoting safe, inclusive and well-governed paddle sports.

SCF is affiliated with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the Asian Canoe Confederation (ACC), and represents Singapore in regional and international paddling matters while leading the strategic development of the sport nationally.

Our Purpose

To lead the sustainable development of paddling in Singapore by upholding strong governance, increasing participation and delivering sustained high performance on the international stage.

Our Strategic Aims

The Singapore Canoe Federation aims to:

• Grow participation in paddling by providing safe, accessible and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

• Inspire healthier, more active and connected communities through paddling while promoting social inclusion and lifelong participation.

• Develop sustainable athlete pathways that enable athletes to progress from grassroots participation to national representation and success at the SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympic Games and other major international competitions.

• Develop and strengthen the capability of athletes, coaches, technical officials and volunteers to support the long-term growth and success of paddling in Singapore.

• Govern, coordinate and deliver paddling programmes, competitions and events that uphold high standards of safety, integrity and sportsmanship.

• Foster strong partnerships with affiliates, government agencies, schools, community organisations and industry partners to grow the paddling ecosystem.

• Position Singapore as a leading regional hub for paddling through the successful hosting of international events and active engagement with the global paddling community.

Role Description

The General Manager is the chief executive responsible for leading the Singapore Canoe Federation and implementing the strategic direction established by the Board.

Reporting to the Board, the General Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across the Federation, ensuring organisational sustainability, effective governance and the successful delivery of the Federation's strategic objectives.

The General Manager is accountable for leading the Federation across governance, finance, people, high performance, sport development, participation, stakeholder engagement and organisational capability. Working closely with the Board, staff, volunteers, affiliates and strategic partners, the General Manager drives organisational excellence, builds a high-performing culture and ensures the Federation remains athlete-centred, community-focused and financially sustainable.

The role is responsible for strengthening the Federation's capability to deliver sustainable international sporting success while growing participation and ensuring the highest standards of governance, integrity and operational excellence.

The role will cover the following key areas of responsibility.

1. Strategy and Organisational Leadership

1.1 Develop strategic recommendations for Board approval and lead the implementation of the Federation's strategic plan.

1.2 Provide regular advice and reporting to the Board on organisational performance, emerging opportunities and strategic risks.

1.3 Ensure organisational resources are aligned to achieve the Federation's vision, mission and strategic priorities.

1.4 Promote evidence based decision making through the effective use of operational, financial and performance data.

2. People and Organisational Development

2.1 Build and lead a high-performing, values-driven organisation.

2.2 Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous learning.

2.3 Lead workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, succession planning and professional development.

2.4 Empower staff, volunteers and committees to deliver the Federation's strategic objectives.

3. Financial and Corporate Management

3.1 Ensure the Federation's long-term financial sustainability through prudent budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and effective resource allocation.

3.2 Maintain robust financial governance, internal controls and enterprise risk management.

3.3 Ensure grants and organisational resources are managed responsibly and in compliance with all funding and regulatory requirements.

3.4 Identify opportunities to diversify revenue and strengthen the Federation's long term financial sustainability.

3.5 Drive sponsorship and partnership development, fundraising initiatives, revenue diversification, brand and membership growth.

4. Governance and Compliance

4.1 Ensure the Federation operates in accordance with its Constitution, applicable legislation and governance requirements.

4.2 Develop, implement and regularly review governance frameworks, organisational policies and operational procedures.

4.3 Support the Board in maintaining high standards of governance, transparency and accountability.

4.4 Oversee organisational risk management, compliance and safeguarding responsibilities.

4.5 Foster a safe sport culture by ensuring the effective implementation of safeguarding policies and promoting athlete welfare throughout the organisation.

5. High Performance, Sport and Community Development

5.1 Provide executive oversight of the Federation's high performance system, ensuring appropriate governance, resources, funding and organisational support to achieve agreed athlete and performance outcomes.

5.2 Support the development of sustainable athlete pathways from grassroots participation through to national representation.

5.3 Provide executive oversight of programmes that promote participation, coaching, officiating and community engagement across all paddling disciplines.

5.4 Strengthen collaboration between affiliates, coaches, volunteers and stakeholders to grow a sustainable paddling ecosystem.

6. Stakeholder and Partnership Management

6.1 Represent the Federation in its engagement with Sport Singapore, the Singapore National Olympic Council, government agencies, sponsors, affiliates, members, international federations and other key stakeholders.

6.2 Build and maintain trusted partnerships that advance the interests of paddling in Singapore.

6.3 Promote the Federation's reputation through professional communication, collaboration and advocacy.

7. Operational Excellence

7.1 Ensure the efficient delivery of all organisational operations, programmes and events.

7.2 Drive continuous improvement through effective systems, technology and process optimisation.

7.3 Monitor organisational performance and implement initiatives that improve service delivery and operational effectiveness.

8. Additional Responsibilities

8.1 Undertake any other duties assigned by the Board that are consistent with the responsibilities of the role.

9. Key Performance Outcomes

Performance in this role will be assessed against the achievement of organisational outcomes, including:

9.1 Delivery of the Federation's Strategic Plan and Multi-Year Sport Plan.

9.2 Achievement of agreed high performance and athlete development outcomes.

9.3 Long-term financial sustainability through sound financial management, successful grant administration and revenue diversification.

9.4 Maintenance of high standards of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

9.5 Growth in participation, coaching, officiating and membership across paddling disciplines.

9.6 Positive stakeholder engagement and effective partnerships with Sport Singapore, SNOC, affiliates, sponsors and government agencies.

9.7 Development of a capable, engaged and high-performing workforce and organisational culture.

10. Key Leadership Competencies required for this role

• Strategic thinking and execution
• High performance leadership
• Organisational and change leadership
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership management
• Communication and influencing skills
• Sound judgement and decision-making
• People leadership and talent development

11. Qualifications/Technical Requirements/Experience:

• Degree or professional qualification in Business, Sport Management, Public Administration or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• At least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of five (5) years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high performing teams and managing organisational change.
• Proven ability to develop and implement organisational strategy and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting and oversight of organisational resources.
• Experience working with Boards, senior executives, government agencies or other key stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of corporate governance, compliance and risk management principles.
• Experience in the sport, not for profit or public sectors would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the paddling community or the broader Singapore sporting landscape would be an advantage, but is not essential.