Assistant Director, Procurement

[What the role is]

The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through our network of 28 libraries across Singapore, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.

At NLB, you can look forward to a flexible, hybrid work environment with rewarding, impactful deliverables that improve the lives of the community. With caring colleagues, you will be in an ideal environment for professional development, innovation and impact.
We can offer you:
• A chance to Impact the Community, bridge gaps and empower everyone with the opportunity for learning and discovery.
• An opportunity to Innovate and Push Boundaries. We value ideas, curiosity and a passion for innovation to transform our libraries and archives.
• An organisation that Cares for your Growth and Wellbeing through investment in staff development and wellbeing in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As an Assistant Director, you play a critical role in the planning and execution of the procurement functions of the department. You will work closely with various stakeholders in reviewing NLB’s policies and the strategic planning for the divisions’ procurement needs. Your key responsibilities include the following:

[What you will be working on]

• Develops strategic procurement plan in partnership with stakeholders to meet NLB’s strategic objectives,including establishing demand aggregation opportunities; provides advice to divisions in procurement decisions especially for complex purchases; manage stakeholders and resolve identified issues with the stakeholders in a timely manner.

• Provides guidance to procurement account managers to support divisions on their purchase requirements and propose appropriate sourcing strategies that best meet the divisions’ business needs; undertakes the role of business partners in supporting the divisions’ procurement needs where required.

• Develops and build capability of the project managers and the procurement account managers to equip them with the required competencies; review and refresh the procurement competency framework for project managers and approving officers.

• Directs the efforts of Incident Reporting relating to procurement, including the reporting framework/SOP, review and analysis of reports for submissions to Senior Management and Sub-Board.

• Streamlines processes/SOPs and assists in the deployment of technology to improve the efficiencies of work processes; prepares policy papers/reports and makes presentations during Senior Management and Main Board/Sub-Board meetings.

• Provides guidance on data analytics, internal and external audit matters; develop and follow-up on the implementation of various measures/initiatives.

• Assists in the strategic planning for the department workplans/other initiatives and lead the efforts in implementation.

[What we are looking for]

• Preferably at least 8 years of relevant experience in public sector procurement, and at least 5 years’ experience in a leadership position
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written & spoken)
• Strong leadership skills
• Meticulous and attentive to details
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results under tight timelines

The successful candidate will be appointed on a 2-year contract at the first instance.