Senior/Lead Manager, Workforce Transformation & Human Capital Policy

The Human Capital Action Committee (HCAC) champions the development of a strong Singaporean core of workers augmented by foreign manpower, so businesses have access to high quality manpower to grow and create good jobs for Singapore. The Committee provides insights to shape SBF's policy on manpower-related issues, steer human capital development initiatives undertaken by SBF to help companies develop the talent and skills required for transformation and growth.

This role leads the Secretariat function for HCAC and serves as a key contributor to SBF's workforce policy, advocacy and thought leadership agenda. Working closely with senior business leaders, government agencies and ecosystem partners, the incumbent will drive the development of employer perspectives, policy recommendations and strategic initiatives that influence Singapore's workforce and skills landscape.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Policy Development & Employer Advocacy

• Lead the identification, analysis and prioritisation of workforce, skills and human capital issues affecting businesses.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations, employer positions and strategic viewpoints for HCAC, SBF leadership and stakeholders.
• Monitor labour-market developments and translate their implications into actionable business insights.
• Draft policy papers, consultation responses, position statements, briefings and submissions, and support SBF leaders and HCAC members in articulating employer perspectives at policy engagements.

2. Thought Leadership & Research

• Drive SBF's workforce and human capital thought leadership through research, environmental scanning and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop strategic insights on workforce transformation, skills, leadership, productivity, talent and workplace trends.
• Lead or support the development of surveys, discussion papers, research reports, white papers, speeches and related products.
• Synthesise stakeholder perspectives into recommendations and industry insights while maintaining a repository of policy positions, research findings and institutional knowledge.

3. HCAC Governance & Secretariat Leadership

• Lead HCAC's end-to-end governance and secretariat functions, including annual workplans, governance calendars and committee priorities in consultation with the Chairperson, members and SBF leadership.
• Oversee timely preparation and circulation of high-quality agendas, papers, briefings and documentation.
• Maintain accurate minutes, action trackers, decision logs and governance records, as well as monitor and report on the implementation and closure of agreed actions.

4. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with senior business leaders, HR practitioners, Trade Association Chambers (TACs), government agencies, tripartite partners, institutions of higher learning and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Serve as the principal liaison between HCAC members and SBF to sustain engagement, communication and participation.
• Facilitate dialogue, consultation and consensus on complex workforce issues, and plan senior-level roundtables, consultations and industry dialogues.
• Represent SBF and HCAC at relevant external meetings and working groups.

5. Strategic Initiatives, Impact & Organisational Alignment

• Translate HCAC priorities into actionable initiatives, workstreams and partnerships.
• Align internal stakeholders on roles, responsibilities and execution.
• Develop implementation roadmaps, track progress and evaluate the outcome and impact of initiatives.
• Advance SBF's Skills Empowered Action Agenda through partnerships, pilots, capability-building initiatives and collaborative programmes.
• Identify delivery risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Undertake other strategic assignments in support of SBF's workforce development, human capital and business transformation agenda.

Job Requirements:

• Degree in Public Policy, Economics, Business, Political Science, Human Resources, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience for the Lead Manager role. Senior candidates with demonstrated experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives may be considered for the Senior Manager role.
• Relevant experience in policy development, strategy, stakeholder engagement, workforce or industry transformation, economic development, public affairs, corporate strategy or related fields, with a strong understanding of Singapore's workforce, skills and human capital ecosystem.
• Strong strategic, critical and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative evidence, distil complex information, connect emerging developments to broader business and policy implications, and formulate practical recommendations.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with experience producing clear and persuasive policy papers, consultation responses, executive briefings, speeches, presentations, thought leadership content and strategic recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the credibility, professionalism and diplomacy to build trust, facilitate senior-level engagements, negotiate, forge consensus and manage differing stakeholder perspectives.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management capabilities, with the resilience, adaptability and ownership to lead initiatives from concept to implementation while effectively managing timelines, resources, risks and stakeholders.
• Experience in supporting committee governance and secretariat functions, with the ability to exercise sound judgement, accuracy, discretion and integrity when handling complex issues, stakeholder-facing outputs and confidential information.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications such as PMP, Agile or Lean Six Sigma would be advantageous.