Executive Manager/Assistant Director (Planning Branch 1) – Contract

[What the role is]

As Singapore's lead planning agency for after-death facilities, NEA plays a critical role in ensuring that after-death infrastructure keeps pace with demographic shifts, evolving public expectations, and long-term national planning needs. The Memorial Facilities Planning Division is at the heart of this work, overseeing the long-term planning and provision of these facilities.

In this role, you will lead the planning and development of major crematorium infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Mandai Crematorium and the upgrading of existing cremation facilities. You will also play a key role in assessing Singapore's future cremation capacity needs and planning the next generation of crematorium infrastructure.

This is an individual contributor role that requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders, government agencies, consultants, contractors, and service providers.

You will be involved in project planning, procurement, contract management, funding approvals, stakeholder engagement, and strategic infrastructure planning for nationally significant projects.

[What you will be working on]

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the planning and coordination of major crematorium development projects, including facility expansions, upgrading works, and supporting infrastructure improvements
• Oversee pre-development activities such as project scoping, feasibility studies, user requirement development, stakeholder engagement, and funding approvals
• Drive procurement strategies and processes, including the preparation and calling of tenders for consultants and contractors, as well as managing direct contracts and contract variations where required
• Manage consultants and contractors through project planning and implementation phases to ensure timely delivery of project objectives
• Coordinate integrated project timelines across multiple workstreams and interdependent projects, ensuring alignment with operational and business requirements
• Conduct assessments on cost reasonableness for specialised direct contracting and contract variation proposals involving highly technical or non-standard works
• Support the planning and assessment of future crematorium infrastructure to meet Singapore's long-term needs, including capacity planning, operational resilience, and service delivery considerations
• Evaluate emerging cremation technologies and energy solutions, including alternative fuel sources and sustainability initiatives, to enhance operational efficiency and resilience
• Work closely with agencies, industry partners, and service providers to address technical, planning, land use, infrastructure, and implementation issues
• Contribute to the review and development of policies, operational frameworks, and planning strategies relating to after-death infrastructure and services

[What we are looking for]

This role may be for you if you possess the following qualities:

• At least 5 years of experience in infrastructure planning, project development, engineering, policy implementation, or related fields
• Proven project management experience, with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects and manage multiple workstreams concurrently
• Experience in infrastructure development, including feasibility studies, business case development, strategic planning, and project implementation
• Strong understanding of procurement, contract management, and funding approval processes, preferably within the public sector
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, and external service providers to achieve project outcomes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess technical, financial, operational, and policy considerations holistically
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage agencies, industry partners, and senior management effectively
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, exercise sound judgement, and develop practical solutions to complex challenges
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Meticulous and organised, with strong attention to detail
• Experience or knowledge in building services, energy infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, or cremation-related technologies will be an advantage