Head of Operations

About SASH and Our Mission

SASH is a rapidly growing international research organisation established in Singapore, focused on enabling technical collaboration on AI safety between East and West to tackle critical geopolitical challenges. Founded in early 2025 as a local community, SASH has expanded to 20 full-time employees working on fellowships, events, and applied technical research. Rooted in Singapore and bridging regions, SASH works to develop ecosystem networks, coordinate stakeholders, and implement practical solutions for governing frontier AI safely.

Key Achievements

• Developed the first physical, portable inference verification prototype widely presented to policymakers and AI industry stakeholders across multiple continents.
• Co-authored research on cyber-risk and AI governance with governments of Korea and Singapore.
• Published independent safety evaluations of a frontier Chinese AI model and established Asia's first frontier safety evaluation organisation.
• Attracted up to 6,000 applicants per programme cohort, with alumni placed across government, AI labs, and safety organisations.
• Established partnerships with notable entities such as FAR.AI, Concordia AI, SAIF, FLI, and the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative.

Working Culture and Team

We cultivate a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong bias towards action and tangible results over theory. Our multidisciplinary team is globally distributed, with expertise spanning policy, engineering, and operations. Leadership includes experienced professionals with backgrounds in AI governance, multinational institutions, and industry.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced operations leader to own and develop our operational functions. This includes enhancing our entire operational infrastructure, implementing organisational processes, and supporting scaling initiatives. The role demands close collaboration with senior leadership to shape culture, strategy, and governance as SASH broadens its global reach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and upgrade key operational systems including hiring, payroll, onboarding, expense and applicant management for large cohorts.
• Establish mature organisational processes such as goal setting, project and performance management, talent development, and benefits administration.
• Lead incorporation and regulatory registrations for UK entity Seabridge AI, including visas and office arrangements.
• Deliver operational frameworks for spinoff ventures like Neo Research.
• Implement security best practices throughout the organisation.
• Manage relocations to permanent office spaces in Singapore and London planned for up to 40 staff.
• Partner with leadership to evolve organisational culture and align strategies with successful initiatives.
• Update employee policies, handbooks, and governance structures to reflect organisational growth and rebranding.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Proven track record scaling organisations from startup to larger entities.
• Strong understanding or ability to rapidly learn multi-jurisdiction financial, legal, and regulatory matters.
• Comfort operating under ambiguous goals with a proactive, execution-oriented approach.
• Experience in people leadership, including recruiting, managing performance, and building HR systems from the ground up.
• Excellent interpersonal skills managing diverse stakeholders, including governments, funders, and academia.
• Sound judgement in sensitive, high-stakes environments with transparent reasoning.
• Strong passion for building and improving organisational systems.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience or language skills related to China or Asia.
• Background in mission-driven nonprofits or rapidly scaling startups.
• Knowledge of charity/nonprofit legal or compliance frameworks.
• Interest or motivation in AI safety research and governance.
• Experienced in managing remote or distributed teams.

Additional Information

Process: Candidates will undergo a screening interview, a 3-hour work test, subsequent interviews, and reference checks. Selected individuals may participate in a multi-day work trial with the team. Alternative starting arrangements, including part-time contracting leading to full-time roles, can be considered.

Compensation: Salary is negotiable within the USD 125,000 to 175,000+ range, determined collaboratively based on budget and candidate fit.

Location and Travel: The position is remote-friendly, preferably with 3-4 hours overlap with Singapore time zone. Visa sponsorship for Singapore or UK work visas is available. Travel of up to 20% (mostly to Singapore) is expected.