Director, Business Operations (Singapore), OceanX Singapore
About OceanX:
OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.
For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Position Summary:
OceanX is seeking a Director of Business Operations (Singapore) to oversee and scale the organization’s Singapore office while serving as a strategic operational partner to senior leadership. Reporting to the Global Chief Operating Officer, this role will lead office operations, drive operational excellence, and support the execution of organizational priorities across the APAC region.
This role will lead day-to-day office operations, build scalable operational processes, and support cross-functional coordination across global teams, including operations, finance, people, legal, and programmatic functions.
The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills, while serving as a key liaison between the Singapore office and global teams to foster a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven work environment.
OceanX is an entrepreneurial environment which values team players who can manage priorities and workstreams simultaneously. To thrive and succeed within our unique culture and work environment, you must demonstrate humility, innate curiosity, and openness to new ideas/approaches. You also must be hard-working, composed and goal oriented. All employees are expected to be excited about providing and receiving objective feedback, constantly striving for self-improvement, and committed to the pursuit of excellence.
Position Location:
Singapore
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Act as a trusted operational partner to leadership, supporting the execution of strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Lead day-to-day operations of the Singapore office, ensuring efficient and effective office management and operational execution.
- Implement scalable processes, systems, and controls to support organizational growth and operational readiness.
- Translate strategic priorities into actionable operational plans and track execution across teams and stakeholders.
- Drive cross-functional coordination and serve as the primary liaison between the Singapore office and New York headquarters.
- Ensure alignment with organizational policies, standards, and operational processes across global teams.
- Develop reporting frameworks, monitor KPIs, and provide operational insights to support decision-making and organizational effectiveness.
- Identify operational gaps and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and team performance.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, expense management, and resource allocation efforts for the Singapore office.
- Track operational spend and identify opportunities for cost optimization while supporting organizational growth objectives.
- Oversee office planning, vendor management, administrative operations, and resource coordination.
- Partner with leadership on hiring, onboarding, team development, and fostering a collaborative and high-accountability culture.
- Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight to a Singapore-based direct report while supporting broader team development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal policies, and risk management practices in partnership with legal, finance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Support operational and logistical coordination related to vessel-based activities and organizational initiatives, as needed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Professional Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
- At least fifteen (15) years of relevant experience in operations, business management, consulting, or similar functions, preferably within international, multi-office, or cross-functional organizations.
- Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams and driving operational execution in fast-paced, dynamic, or entrepreneurial environments.
- Strong organizational, project management, and execution skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Demonstrated financial acumen, including experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, expense management, and resource allocation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across global teams and senior leadership.
- Experience developing operational frameworks, reporting structures, and scalable processes to support organizational growth and efficiency.
- Experience supporting regional or global operations across APAC and familiarity with the Singapore business and regulatory environment preferred.
- Exposure to nonprofit, education, media, science, or other mission-driven sectors preferred.
- Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, when necessary.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration.
- Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases.
Personal Attributes:
- Determined, resourceful and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic
- Agility, with a track record of getting things done
- Organized, reliable, and meticulous
- Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Comfortable with ambiguity
- Maintains high standards
- Highly collaborative
- General curiosity and passion for the Ocean
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation for the role includes a competitive salary dependent on years of experience, level of education obtained, as well as applicable skillset), and an excellent benefits package, including a comprehensive employer paid medical plan and CPF.
Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
At OceanX, we believe our biggest asset is our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. OceanX treats all candidates and employees with respect and does not discriminate in our recruiting, hiring, and promoting processes and general treatment during employment, including on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
