Job Description – Executive Director

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association of Singapore (HFCAS) was formed in 2019 to provide a united voice of the industry and to support the use of hydrogen in Singapore as one the possible pathways to meet Singapore’s Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy. Some of HFCAS initiatives include the development of codes and standards for safe use of hydrogen; development of training courses for hydrogen related applications; raising public awareness on hydrogen through outreach program.

We’re looking for an Executive Director to take on the leadership role in fulfilling these key strategies. Reporting to the Executive Committee, the Executive Director will develop the workplan, execution of all activities, and manage the secretariat effectively and efficiently. The Executive Director must be plugged into the global hydrogen network, familiar with current and future trends on hydrogen and fuel cells. Experience in event organisation, including conferences and business missions, and executing fundraising activities is important. The Executive Director is required to have good people’s skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively, provide support and clear directions to the team.

Objectives of this role

· Work closely with Executive Committee to develop annual workplans and plan for activities to be executed.

· Grow the membership to support the association in delivering value-add activities for its members.

· Oversee daily operations of the organization, providing executive direction for program strategies and efficiencies, compliance, and quality assurance

· Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations, and maintain a strong work culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organization’s mission

· Increase awareness of the organization by being the main spokesperson and liaison with local media

· Develop an actionable plan for fundraising and managing monthly cash flow

· Comply with all local regulations

Responsibilities

· Create business plans for achieving goals and objectives set in collaboration with board of directors

· Meet aggressive annual fundraising goals, in partnership with board of directors, by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government funding sources

· Work with staff and board on annual fundraising benefit and additional events, and oversee all external communications, including website, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social media

· Serve as the face of the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs

· Build and lead an effective team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through highly successful programs, community engagement, and fundraising

· Manage staff members and clients whose experiences, cultures, and languages reflect the community served by the organization

Required skills and qualifications

· Five or more years of experience in management positions, preferably with not for profit organizations.

· Strong experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising

· Knowledge of leadership and management principles

· Proven success working with a board of directors

· Entrepreneurial mindset, with innovative approach to business planning

· Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization

Preferred skills and qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)

· Experience in managing budgets

· Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Define and execute the company’s long-term vision and strategy, with a specific focus on leading-edge R&D initiatives. Drive the company towards achieving technological breakthroughs that align with commercial success.
• R&D Leadership:
  Foster a culture of innovation and oversee the company's R&D efforts, ensuring that new technologies and products are developed according to both industry trends and market needs. Lead cross-functional R&D teams to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Innovation and Product Development:
  Work closely with the CTO, R&D leadership, and technical teams to prioritize high-impact research projects. Drive innovation to bring novel products, services, or technologies to market in a timely manner.
• Collaboration with Technical Teams:
  Maintain strong engagement with engineering, research, and product development teams, providing strategic guidance and ensuring that technical decisions align with the company’s broader goals.
• Business Development:
  Identify and evaluate opportunities for business growth, including partnerships, acquisitions, and entering new markets. Ensure that R&D outcomes are leveraged to create new revenue streams and maintain a competitive edge.
• Financial Oversight and Resource Allocation:
  Manage the company’s financial performance, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation. Ensure that R&D investments are optimized to maximize innovation while maintaining financial discipline.
• Building Strategic Partnerships:
  Build relationships with academic institutions, research centers, and technology partners to foster collaboration and stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Seek strategic alliances that enhance the company’s R&D capabilities.
• Board Communication and Reporting:
  Act as the primary liaison between the board of directors and the company, providing updates on key developments, financial performance, and strategic initiatives. Ensure that the board is informed on critical R&D milestones.
• Talent Development:
  Attract, retain, and mentor top technical talent. Develop a strong, cohesive leadership team that shares the company’s passion for innovation and research excellence.
• Risk Management:
  Identify and mitigate risks associated with technology development and commercialization. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and intellectual property protection.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (15+ years) in a senior leadership role within a technology or R&D-focused company, with a track record of driving technological innovation.
• Strong technical background, preferably with hands-on experience in research, engineering, or product development.
• Advanced degree in a related technical field (e.g., PhD or Master's in Engineering in Laser application, Computer Science, Physics, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and scale R&D efforts in a high-growth environment.
• Strong business acumen, with experience managing P&L, fundraising, and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies.
• Experience in fostering innovation and building a culture that supports high-impact research.

The Head of Department provides leadership to all activities and ensures that all objectives are achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner. He/She designs business structures to support solutions by identifying, developing and implementing new?processes.

In addition, the Head of Department champions the organisational vision and mission and is accountable for the overall organisational excellence. He/She creates business solutions by formulating and recommending manufacturing policies and programmes to guide the organisation in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability.

Additional Descripctions :

- Support and assist in liasing with the HQ in Japan

- Sales promotions to Japanese customers in Singapore

- Support and assist in liasing with Japanese customers

- Gathering information for Asean strategy

~ Align human resources with business needs.
~ Build high performance teams that work collaboratively.
~ Create business solutions by formulating and recommending manufacturing policies and programmes.
~ Design business structures to support solutions.
~ Develop big data analytics plan.
~ Guide the organisation in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability.
~ Manage conflict grievances and disputes between employees.
~ Strategise organisation workplace safety and health program.

The Head of Department provides leadership to all activities and ensures that all objectives are achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner. He/She designs business structures to support solutions by identifying, developing and implementing new?processes.

In addition, the Head of Department champions the organisational vision and mission and is accountable for the overall organisational excellence. He/She creates business solutions by formulating and recommending manufacturing policies and programmes to guide the organisation in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability.

Additional Descripctions :

- Support and assist in liasing with the HQ in Japan

- Sales promotions to Japanese customers in Singapore

- Support and assist in liasing with Japanese customers

- Gathering information for Asean strategy

~ Align human resources with business needs.
~ Build high performance teams that work collaboratively.
~ Create business solutions by formulating and recommending manufacturing policies and programmes.
~ Design business structures to support solutions.
~ Develop big data analytics plan.
~ Guide the organisation in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability.
~ Manage conflict grievances and disputes between employees.
~ Strategise organisation workplace safety and health program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the Director’s calendar, email & correspondence, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Maintain meeting minutes and track work progress.
• Handle confidential information and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist with special projects and address urgent matters as they arise.
• Assist with recruitment efforts, including posting job openings, scheduling interviews, and coordinating onboarding activities for new hires.
• Maintain employee records including leave records and performance evaluations.
• Oversee Payroll and CPF processing to ensure accurate and timely payment of salaries and submission.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Law, or its equivalent.
• Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
• Expertise in financial management, legal and report preparation, and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Timesoft would be an added advantage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Medical & Dental
• Staff Purchase

• Develop and implement strategies aiming to promote the organization’s mission and “voice”
• Create complete business plans for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the CEO & board of directors
• Build an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers
• Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established policies and legal guidelines
• Forge and maintain relations of trust with shareholders, partners and external authorities
• Review reports by subordinate managers to acquire an understanding of the organization’s financial and non-financial position
• Assist the CEO in managing Day to Day affairs and operations of the company
• Proven experience as executive director or in other managerial position
• Experience in developing strategies and plans
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance
• In depth knowledge of corporate governance principles and managerial best practices
• An analytical mind capable for “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve problems
• Outstanding organization and leadership abilities
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and public speaking skills
• MSc/MA in business administration or relevant field

Responsibilities

· Liaise with superior to make decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals

· Plan and monitor the day-to-day running of the business to ensure smooth progress

· Supervise staff from different departments and provide constructive feedback

· Evaluate regularly the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and apply improvements

· Manage procurement processes and coordinate material and resource allocation

· Oversee customer support processes and organize them to enhance customer satisfaction

· Review financial information and adjust operational budgets to promote profitability

· Revise and/or formulate policies and promote their implementation

· Manage relationships/agreements with external partners/vendors

· Evaluate overall performance by gathering, analysing and interpreting data and metrics

· Ensure that the company runs with legality and conformity to established regulations

Requirements and skills

· Excellent organizational and leadership abilities

· Outstanding communication and people skills

· Knowledge of the industry’s legal rules and guidelines

· In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. supply chain, finance, customer service, etc.)

· Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics

· Familiarity with MS Office and various business software