Innovation Manager (Built Environment & Materials)

My client is looking for commercial-minded Strategic Innovation Manager to drive long-range, future-focused innovation activities across a wide range of construction, sustainability, and advanced materials.

This role sits at the intersection of R&D, business innovation, and ecosystem partnerships, working closely with internal technical teams, global innovation partners, startups, and research institutions.

Key Requirements
Innovation & Technology Development

  • Identify and evaluate new technologies, advanced materials, and novel applications relevant to construction, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
  • Lead technical feasibility studies, experimental work, and prototype development to validate the potential of new concepts.
  • Translate insights from scientific, industry, and market trends into actionable innovation opportunities.

Concept Evaluation & Business Case Development

  • Build strong, data‑driven business cases combining technical evidence, customer needs, market attractiveness, and commercial potential.
  • Present recommendations and insights to internal decision‑makers in clear, compelling formats.

Industry Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

  • Develop and maintain relationships with research institutions, universities, startups, and technology providers.
  • Scout emerging technologies and evaluate collaboration opportunities to accelerate development and testing.

Project Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Manage innovation projects from idea to validation, coordinating with R&D, commercial, sustainability, operations, and external partners.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and communication across internal teams and key stakeholders.

Communication & Influence

  • Craft impactful presentations, proposals, and pitches that bridge technical findings with business implications.
  • Provide strategic input that helps guide long‑term innovation and technology directions.


Requirements

  • Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related fields. Additional business training (e.g., MBA) is beneficial.
  • Min 5 years in R&D, innovation, technology development, construction technology, sustainability solutions, or advanced materials.
  • Exposure to built‑environment technologies, such as construction materials, green materials, digital construction, prefabrication, or circularity, is highly desirable.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.


Salary: SGD 100,000 – SGD 160,000 per annum

“This position offers a competitive fixed monthly salary with no variable components, providing stable, predictable earnings for candidates who value long‑term impact without quarterly KPI pressures.”

What you need to do now

If you're keen on pursuing this exciting opportunity, please send a copy of your CV to shania.herman@hays.com.sg for confidential discussion.

EA Reg Number: R23117025
EA Licence Number: 07C3924
Company Registration No. 200609504D

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