[F/2025/019X] Deputy Director, Enterprise Development (DARe)

The job holder serves as the deputy to the Director of DARe, responsible for co-managing and overseeing the overall day-to-day operations of DARe and providing strategic leadership and support in designing and executing effective enterprise development strategies and initiatives that drive local business growth and enhance the overall business ecosystem. The job holder also leads key enterprise development areas that are crucial to drive MSME productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth, and fosters strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, while maintaining organizational alignment with national economic development objectives and ensuring sustained operational performance to achieve tangible results and impact.

Role & Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic support to Board and senior management priorities and organizational strategies with focus on local enterprise development.
• Contribute to the development of strategic priorities, resolution of organizational challenges and effective execution of DARe strategies and initiatives, aligned with national economic development objectives.
• Work closely with the Director of DARe to develop and execute DARe strategies, departmental goals and key performance indicators, and establish performance measures to track progress, outcomes and impact.
• Orchestrate cross-departmental coordination to achieve performance targets and seamlessly integrate enterprise development strategies and initiatives into BEDB's overarching strategic framework.
• Provide input on budget preparation, review and monitor budget performance, and ensure financial decisions and resource allocations are aligned with strategic and operational priorities.

B. Key Leadership Priorities

• Lead and manage key enterprise development areas that drive MSME productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth, and provide strategic oversight on national economic development objectives to ensure alignment of efforts and key deliverables.
• Proactively identify new business or market opportunities, both locally and internationally, and facilitate linkages to drive enterprise expansion and growth.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to team leadership to ensure effective execution of strategic priorities and achieve the desired outcomes and impact.
• Maintain continuity of leadership and strategic direction in the absence of the Director of DARe.

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development

• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors to ensure alignment of objectives, enhance ecosystem development and deliver impactful initiatives that drive innovation and sustainable enterprise growth.
• Act as DARe's representative in inter-agency forums and stakeholder engagements, both locally and regionally, and facilitate coordination of enterprise development policies and strategic initiatives.
• Identify emerging policy challenges and provide recommendations aimed at strengthening the overall entrepreneurial and business ecosystem and competitiveness of local enterprises.

D. Program Delivery & Performance Management

• Work closely with DARe Strategic Delivery and team leadership across DARe portfolio to monitor progress and outcomes of DARe programs and initiatives and KPIs, identify enhancement opportunities and contribute to the continuous refinement of existing strategies to maximise effectiveness, strategic relevance and impact.
• Lead, mentor, and empower DARe teams to achieve performance excellence, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability and innovation.

E. Compliance & Governance

• Implement effective risk management and governance practices and ensure ethical decision-making.
• Ensure integrity, transparency and accountability in the overall execution of DARe operations, and all programs and initiatives are implemented in compliance with organizational policies and regulations.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Business, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant working experience, including 8 years in management capacity/supervisory role.
• Prior experience in enterprise development, MSME advancement, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building would be an advantage.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to analyse complex situations, identify key issues and formulate effective solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, with strong negotiation skills to influence and promote positive change.
• Recognised as an expert in own area/multiple portfolios within the department.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to the role.
• Has specialised depth and/or breadth of expertise in own discipline or function.
• Interprets internal or external issues and recommends solutions/best practices.
• Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify solutions.
• Independent and self-driven with excellent multitasking capabilities to meet demanding timelines
• Strong interpersonal, communication and analytical skills.

The closing date for this vacancy will be on Wednesday, 5th November 2025.

If you do not hear from the BEDB within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.