JOB DESCRIPTION: General Manager
About Singapore Canoe Federation:
The Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) was founded in 1971 and is the National Sports Association responsible for the management, coordination, development and promotion of paddling in Singapore. It represents the interest of its athletes and members to Sport Singapore (Previously known as the Singapore Sports Council), the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), the public and other International paddling bodies.
The SCF is an affiliate of both the Asian Canoe Confederation and the International Canoe Federation. As a non-profit organisation, the SCF relies mainly on its volunteers and its small group of staff. It is mainly funded through Sport Singapore.
Our Aims:
To promote opportunity for public participation in a full range of paddling activities in Singapore with high standards of safety. Among other things, the SCF aspires to:
● Nurture and prepare its elite and potential elite athletes to medal at the SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympic Games and other regional/international competitions.
● Uphold high standards of sportsmanship.
● Champion the development and enjoyment by the public of all paddling disciplines in Singapore.
● Develop and promote Singapore as a venue of choice for regional/international paddling championships/events.
Our Values:
● Transparent– To be completely transparent and up front in all our policies, procedures, results (both good and bad). No artificial harmony.
● Respect – Respect all stakeholders of the sport. From employees, to parents, volunteers and all community members. Put yourself in their shoes to understand their perspective on how your actions will impact them.
● Inclusive - To include all paddling disciplines and communities in our decision making process. To develop all disciplines in the manner most suitable to the various levels of maturity.
● Professional– To be responsible, committed to the highest standards yet being self-aware and cooperative to the people around you. Sometimes, things might not go your way but if it’s been agreed, then you have to align to the decision and do your best to achieve its desired outcome.
Our Vision:
● To establish Singapore as the top paddling nation in Asia by placing firm focus on developing high performance athlete pathways.
● To promote paddling as a vibrant lifestyle and bringing more awareness & education into marine protection and promoting inclusive communities.
Key Competencies to be successful for the role:
● Honesty/Integrity. Does not cut corners. Earns trust and maintains confidence. Does what is right, not just what is politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully.
● Strategic thinking/visioning. Able to see and communicate the big picture in an inspiring way. Determines opportunities and threats through comprehensive analysis of current and future trends via data analysis and sports science.
● Goal Oriented. Have a can-do attitude and be laser focused on achieving set goals for self and team.
● Creativity/innovation. Generates new and innovative approaches to problems. Working within a set budget to maximise returns.
● Flexibility/adaptability. Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions. Copes effectively with complexity and change. Adapt to local culture and systems while infusing new ideas and approaches.
Role description:
The SCF is looking for a General Manager (GM) to scale us into a world class organisation via an ecosystem approach.
The GM is the highest-ranking executive responsible for overseeing the overall operations, strategic direction, and financial health of the organization. The GM ensures alignment between the organization’s mission, vision, and goals while fostering growth, sustainability, and excellence. This leader works closely with the Board and executive team to make high-level decisions about policy, strategy, and direction, ensuring paddle sports are supported throughout Singapore.
The role will cover these key areas of the organisation:
1. Overall Strategy Development and Execution
1.1. Responsible for developing the strategy to achieve the vision and goals set by the Board.
1.2. Responsible for collaborating with the Board to set long-term strategic priorities, making recommendations and reporting on progress.
1.3. Accountable for developing a data centric approach to understanding and quantifying the opportunities and risks, and developing solutions to address them.
1.4. Accountable for all operations and activities, ensuring they align with the strategic goals and deliver measurable results.
2. People and Performance Management
2.1. Accountable for building, leading, and maintaining a high-performing team to help drive the organization’s vision and goals.
2.2. Accountable for performance management of all staff and athletes.
2.3. Ensuring our values are permeated throughout the organization.
3. Financial Management
3.1. Accountable for overseeing the organization’s fiscal health by managing budgets, setting financial targets, and optimizing performance.
3.2. Accountable for developing and maintaining financial models, budgets, and forecasts to support decision-making and financial health.
3.3. Accountable for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimize financial performance for sustainability and growth.
4. Stakeholder Management
4.1. Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative to SportSG, sponsors, partners, community and other key stakeholders.
4.2. Build and maintain effective relationships with ministries/authorities/agencies, regulators, and other key organizations.
4.3. Report to the Board on the organization’s performance, strategic developments, and key initiatives.
5. Policies, Compliances and Governance
5.1. Ensure that the constitution is adhered to.
5.2. Plan, develop and approve policies, programmes, procedures and methods to ensure the organization's status as a National Sports Association, Institution of a Public Character are met.
5.3. Direct the preparation and implementation of all reports as required by Sport Singapore or other regulatory bodies.
5.4. Plan, develop and approve policies, programmes, procedures and methods to ensure that standards to the international paddling governing body are met.
6. Other Responsibilities
6.1. To undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as required by the Board.
7. Qualifications/Technical Requirements/Experience:
7.1. Minimally 10 years working experience.
7.2. Minimally 5 years of leadership and people management experience.
7.3. Minimally 5 years in a leadership position to scale or grow an organization.
7.4. Prior experience in the sports industry is a plus.
7.5. Having in-depth understanding of the paddling scene would be an added advantage.
8. Other requirements:
8.1. Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
8.2. Ability to work on weekends and extended working hours.
8.3. Possession of Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) will be an added advantage.
