Job Purpose

The Deputy Head leads SIT's applied innovation agenda by co-developing the Design Factory as a design-led, research-informed platform that bridges academia, industry, and government. Drawing on deep experience in integrated applied R&D, human-centred design, and interdisciplinary innovation, the incumbent will drive strategic partnerships, programme growth, and real-world project translation. This role combines hands-on design and research leadership with operational oversight, capability building, and ecosystem development, connecting students, faculty, industry partners, and institutional stakeholders through impactful, collaborative innovation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Applied R&D and Design Innovation Leadership
  • Lead integrated applied R&D and design projects for SMEs, MNCs, and public sector partners, overseeing full project lifecycles from research framing, ideation, and user insights through to prototyping, validation, and manufacturing considerations.
  • Apply human-centred design, systems thinking, and futures methodologies to translate research insights into functional prototypes, design frameworks, and scalable innovation outcomes.
  • Spearhead the curation and growth of specialist labs and material exploration environments, supporting experimentation across emerging materials, structural design, and advanced fabrication methods.
  • Bridge creative design with engineering feasibility to develop manufacturable, real-world product and service solutions.
  • Mentor students, researchers, and project teams on user research, design process application, and applied R&D translation.
• UI/UX Design Leadership
  • Lead the strategic direction of UI/UX design across the Design Factory’s projects and programmes, setting standards for interaction design, visual language, and user experience quality that reflect best-in-class practice.
  • Champion user-centred design methodologies including usability testing, journey mapping, wireframing, and iterative prototyping across interdisciplinary project teams working with industry and public sector partners.
  • Provide design critique, mentorship, and quality oversight for student and project team UI/UX outputs, ensuring rigour in both the design process and final deliverables across digital and physical touchpoints.
  • Drive the integration of accessibility, inclusive design, and culturally sensitive UX principles into all project deliverables, ensuring solutions are equitable and effective for diverse end users.
  • Build and sustain the Design Factory’s UI/UX capability through curated toolkits, design systems, and learning frameworks that equip students and collaborators with transferable digital and service design skills.
• Strategic Platform and Programme Development
  • Co-lead the Design Factory as a design-led platform bridging applied R&D, industry collaboration, education, and enterprise adoption; growing its role within SIT's innovation ecosystem.
  • Identify and develop opportunities for programme growth in human-centred design, circular innovation, applied R&D, and cross-disciplinary learning.
  • Drive platform strategy, programme governance, and stakeholder engagement, including representation at institutional forums, exhibitions, and VIP engagements.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and long-term development of the Design Factory in alignment with SIT's institutional goals.
• Partnership and Business Development
  • Establish and manage relationships with industry leaders, design organisations, IHLs, government agencies, and international ecosystem partners.
  • Identify collaboration opportunities and prepare proposals, project scopes, MOUs, and partnership agreements.
  • Represent the Design Factory in outreach, exhibitions, and partnership forums, strengthening its visibility locally and internationally.
  • Drive and activate a multi-stakeholder innovation network spanning students, researchers, industry, academia, and government.
• Capability Building and Education
  • Design and deliver applied learning programmes, masterclasses, workshops, and structured learning experiences integrating design thinking, human-centred research, prototyping, and real-world application.
  • Translate Design Factory methodologies, applied R&D projects, and industry case studies into structured content for internal and external programmes, including CET modules and industry workshops.
  • Support academic delivery through preparation of learning resources, demonstrations, and supervision of student work across interdisciplinary projects.
  • Mentor and guide interdisciplinary teams across design, engineering, and research domains within lab, workshop, and applied project environments.
• Project and Operational Management
  • Plan, implement, and monitor multiple concurrent applied R&D and innovation projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
  • Manage budgets, procurement, and reporting for internal and external initiatives, with a strong track record of on-time and on-budget performance.
  • Oversee daily operations of the Design Factory, including facilities, safety, scheduling, and resource utilisation.
  • Maintain records, documentation, and performance metrics for projects, programmes, and collaborations.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Design, Industrial Design, Human Factors, Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in applied R&D, user-centred design, innovation consulting, or design-led industry translation.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and multi-stakeholder partnerships within academic, research, or industry innovation contexts.
• Proficiency in design research methods, prototyping, fabrication, and applied learning environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in UI/UX design practice, including experience with interaction design, information architecture, usability testing, and industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or equivalent platforms. A portfolio evidencing leadership in UI/UX project delivery is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience managing facilities, interdisciplinary teams, or design-led platforms is highly advantageous.
• ACLP certification or equivalent teaching/facilitation qualification is an advantage.