Manager, Innovation and Technology

About Singapore Fashion Council

Singapore Fashion Council (SFC), previously known as Textile and Fashion Federation (Singapore), serves as the official body representing Singapore's textile and fashion industry. SFC aims to establish itself as a dynamic Asian centre for responsible fashion, focused on sustainability, innovation and technology, internationalisation, and retail. Collaborating extensively with a broad spectrum of partners, SFC drives meaningful transformation across the industry ecosystem by offering leadership, expansive networks, and resources. It supports capacity-building programs, international growth of local fashion and textile firms, and promotes environmentally sustainable business methods to elevate local designers and brands both nationally and abroad.

DORS, a key initiative of SFC, is a premier fashion concept store located at Design Orchard, featuring over 70 local labels that showcase Singaporean creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainable fashion. More than a retail outlet, DORS serves as a hub for discovery that connects conscious consumers with Singapore’s design scene.

Role Overview

The Manager role within the Innovation & Technology (I&T) division is responsible for leading pivotal portfolios that uplift Singapore's fashion-tech startup landscape through accelerator and innovation programmes. The position entails strategic planning, programme execution, stakeholder collaboration, and measuring impact across innovation and professional development efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leading the full lifecycle management of The Bridge Fashion Innovator (TBFI) programmes, including intellectual property commercialisation, accelerators, scale-up initiatives, and open innovation challenges.
• Setting and driving strategic objectives and KPIs aligned with broader industry development plans of SFC.
• Expanding and nurturing SFC’s collaboration network encompassing fashion, entrepreneurship, business, and investment stakeholders.
• Engaging startups and partners, fostering relationships with mentors, corporates, investors, and ecosystem players to ensure valuable programme outcomes.
• Supervising the creation of programme materials, impact assessments, evaluation models, and communications to maintain quality and consistency.
• Representing SFC at industry forums, demo days, and relevant events as a key advocate of fashion sector innovation.
• Monitoring emerging developments in fashion technology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to guide programme content and design.

Competency Areas

• Strategic Leadership: Directing programme goals, accountability, and overall performance management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Forging and managing valuable partnerships with startups, corporates, investors, and government actors.
• Programme Management: Overseeing multi-faceted initiatives ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and KPIs.
• Analytical Research: Utilizing sector insights and trend tracking to continuously refine programmes.
• Communication: Delivering compelling reports, marketing content, and public communications reinforcing SFC’s leadership.
• Innovation Mindset: Cultivating entrepreneurial approaches within programme design and engagement models.
• Leadership: Managing and mentoring junior team members effectively.
• Operational Governance: Ensuring compliance and efficient administration of grants and reporting.
• Industry Awareness: Maintaining a current understanding of Singapore’s fashion, retail, and sustainability landscapes to inform SFC’s initiatives and position.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required; post-graduate or professional certifications in business, innovation, or similar fields are advantageous.
• A minimum of 4 to 6 years’ relevant experience in programme management, ecosystem development, accelerator operations, or trade association roles.
• Proven success leading end-to-end programmes demonstrated through measurable outcomes.
• Preferable experience engaging with startups, investors, or corporate innovation teams.
• Background in fashion, retail, or lifestyle sectors is a strong plus.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strategic and analytical thinker with a strong orientation toward implementation and results.
• Exceptional ability to manage and foster relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficient project manager capable of juggling multiple initiatives and workstreams.
• Effective communicator with experience in public speaking and professional writing.
• Leadership qualities including mentoring and team development.
• Organized, resourceful, and adaptable in a fast-moving environment.
• Competency in Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite considered beneficial.

Equal Opportunity and Data Privacy

SFC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity across race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The organisation aims to provide fair opportunities for growth in the fashion industry. Applicants can expect data privacy standards that exclude collection of sensitive personal information such as national identifiers, photos, or date of birth at the application stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.