Summary

Dsg is looking for a passionate candidate to join the Strategy & Product Innovation Division, reporting to the Deputy Director. As the Assistant Director, you will lead a team in overseeing the development of a portfolio of products and incentive policies in line with the Design Masterplan aimed at driving positive impact and outcomes for the design sector.

About DesignSingapore Council

DesignSingapore Council’s (Dsg) vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city through design by 2025. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

About the Strategy & Product Innovation Division

The Strategy & Product Innovation Division plays a crucial role in driving the strategic direction of the organisation, with a mandate to chart the future of the design sector and position Singapore as a leader in innovation through design. Central to this mission is the development of a robust portfolio of products that not only align with Dsg’s Design Masterplan but also deliver measurable impact across the design industry, empowering the sector to innovate, grow, and achieve long-term success. The unit comprises of two teams:

1. Strategic Planning & Futures team is responsible for long-term planning and strategy development. Specific work entails formulation of Design Masterplan, driving Strategic Futures initiatives, and managing research as needed to support Dsg’s interests.
2. Product Innovation and User Experience team collaborates with Dsg's business units to address both internal and client-facing needs. By employing design-led approaches, the team develops effective incentive policies and product offerings that support the business units in promoting the adoption of design across both design and non-design sectors.

Responsibilities

Your will lead the Product Innovation and User Experience team, with the following responsibilities:

• Product Innovation and Development: Oversee the collaboration with Dsg’s business units to evaluate and enhance the range of product offerings that more effectively support the growth of the design sector in alignment with the Design Masterplan. This includes developing new Dsg-led programmes and optimising incentive policies in partnership with agencies like EDB, ESG, and WSG to align with the needs of clients and stakeholders.
• Design-Led Research and Advocacy: Lead the engagement with internal and external stakeholders to conduct customer and product discovery through interviews, workshops, and prototyping to visualise and communicate ideas. Synthesise insights to recommend design interventions that address system constraints and support decision-making processes.
• Product Outreach and Management: Direct the creation of effective marketing and outreach strategies in collaboration with Dsg’s business units and communication teams in promoting Dsg’s products and services. Ensure the successful development, evaluation, and management of Dsg’s programmes and initiatives, including budget oversight, target setting, and outcome reporting.

Requirements

• Product Management Experience: At least 8 years in product innovation and development, including expertise in managing timelines, resources, and budgets while coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery.
• Leadership and Team Collaboration: At least 3 years of experience in leadership roles. Ability to lead and motivate teams, foster a collaborative environment, and manage stakeholders. Skills in coordinating efforts across various units to achieve product milestones and business goals.
• User-Centric Design: Expertise in creating products that deliver exceptional user experiences. Skills in applying user-centred design principles and methodologies to ensure products meet user needs and drive satisfaction.
• Data Analysis: Strong capability to interpret and leverage data for decision-making. Expertise in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), analysing metrics, and using data to drive product improvements and measure success.
• Passion for Design: Deep enthusiasm for the design and creative ecosystem in Singapore, with a commitment to advancing its growth and development.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate product vision, strategies, and requirements to stakeholders, team members, and customers. Ability to facilitate discussions and negotiations to drive alignment.