Data Science Manager (MTI)

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Smart City Technology, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

At GovTech, we offer you a purposeful career to make lives better. We empower our people to master their craft through continuous and robust learning and development opportunities all year round. Our GovTechies embody our Agile, Bold and Collaborative values to deliver impactful solutions.

GovTech aims to transform the delivery of Government digital services by taking an "outside-in" view, putting citizens and businesses at the heart of everything we do.

Play a part in Singapore’s vision to build a Smart Nation and embark on your meaningful journey to build tech for public good. Join us to advance our mission and shape your future with us today!

Learn more about GovTech at tech.gov.sg.

About the Role

As an Assistant Director, Data Science, you will lead multiple data science and AI initiatives across the ministry, taking ownership of system-level design and strategic direction together with the CIO, Product Director and Deputy Director, Engineering Management. You will translate ambiguous, complex problems into structured roadmaps and align data science priorities with broader organisational objectives. This is a leadership role that combines deep technical oversight with people management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.

What You Will Do

Technical Leadership and Craft

You will define the technical vision and strategic direction for ML/AI developments within the ministry, providing executive oversight to ensure initiatives are well-aligned and resources are used effectively. You will oversee architectural decisions that enable scalable analytics capabilities, and ensure that technical standards and responsible data and AI frameworks are consistently upheld across your teams.

Ownership and Delivery

You will independently identify and drive key projects that advance the ministry’s strategic objectives, taking proactive steps to move them forward without waiting to be directed. Beyond your own delivery, you will actively invest in the growth of peers and junior colleagues through mentorship, sponsorship, and knowledge sharing — with a particular focus on developing L3 and below officers across the wider function, measurably improving capability at multiple levels.

Strategy and Planning

You will provide clear direction on complex initiatives, with a strong ability to define success metrics, track outcomes, and adjust strategies when circumstances change. You will develop detailed roadmaps that break down workstreams and coordinate delivery across teams and partners. You will also identify and manage risks for your team, ensuring that challenges are anticipated and addressed proactively.

Stakeholder Engagement and Organisational Influence

You will lead cross-functional collaboration across multiple teams and within the CIO Office, ensuring that projects are executed in alignment with departmental goals. You will resolve complex stakeholder conflicts and facilitate solutioning to achieve strategic outcomes. You will champion continuous improvement, anticipate future needs and challenges for your area and the wider function, and actively build capability in your areas of expertise.

People Management

You will align your team’s goals with the CIO Office’s objectives and contribute to raising hiring standards by improving interview and selection processes. Through regular one-on-ones with direct and indirect reports, you will coach performance and reinforce high standards aligned to the schema. You will create stretch opportunities for your team, delegating meaningfully to empower individuals and identify those with management potential. You will also cultivate a productive team environment by securing the right resources, removing barriers, establishing healthy team norms, and motivating your people to perform at their best.

Who You Are

You are a technically credible leader who can operate comfortably at the intersection of strategy, delivery, and people development. You bring a structured approach to ambiguity, a collaborative instinct, and a genuine commitment to growing the people around you. You are as comfortable shaping a ministry-level AI strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves to mentor a junior data scientist or resolve a difficult stakeholder situation.

What we are looking for

A bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Quantitative Social Science, or related disciplines. We will also factor in relevant certifications (e.g., Coursera).
At least 2 years of relevant experience, in data science and/or public sector.
Capable of translating business use cases into analytical problems and identifying appropriate data sources to tackle these problems.
Proficient in writing scripts for data preparation and analysis, using modern analysis tools and programming methodologies.
Proficient cleaning, imputing, and correcting anomalies in the collected structured or unstructured data to ensure a high standard of quality in data sets to be used in the analysis work.
Proficient in exploring and analysing datasets, applying probability and statistical methodologies and techniques to discover insights from the data.
Proficient in building machine learning models to identify, recognise patterns, and make predictions.
Proficient in design principles and use of visualisations to best convey the intended information.
Capable of developing data visualisation from standalone graphs and charts on to highly customised tools and apps while tightly integrated into the data systems for real time