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Senior Manager/ Assistant Director (Sustainability Office)

Gardens by the Bay • Singapore • Added on Aug 5, 2026
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This senior leadership role is responsible for translating Singapore’s ambitious Green Plan 2030 into actionable strategies at one of the world’s most iconic horticultural destinations. You will direct the Sustainability Office, overseeing a diverse portfolio that spans carbon reduction pathways, waste management, and energy efficiency across the gardens’ vast operations. Much of your focus will involve coordinating biodiversity surveys and fauna research to ensure the site remains a global leader in urban conservation.

Working at Gardens by the Bay offers a rare opportunity to manage sustainability within a living laboratory that balances high-volume tourism with delicate ecological preservation. By driving Net Zero targets and showcasing green initiatives to millions of international visitors, you influence both local climate policy and global public perception of sustainable urban development. It is a role where technical carbon accounting meets high-profile environmental advocacy.

This suits someone who possesses a strong technical background in environmental science and the diplomatic skill to lead cross-departmental projects. You should be comfortable navigating complex data sets and presenting strategic roadmaps to executive management.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to steer the Sustainability Office in achieving the goals set out in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This includes managing environmental, social, and economic sustainability initiatives while overseeing the garden's transition toward Net Zero. You will be responsible for the end-to-end planning and implementation of projects related to carbon management, water conservation, and waste reduction. Beyond administrative oversight, you will lead the biodiversity conservation portfolio. This involves coordinating fauna surveys, analyzing ecological data, and working closely with horticultural teams to enhance the site's natural resilience. You will also be the primary voice for sustainability reporting, translating complex data into regular progress updates for senior management and external stakeholders.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain unparalleled exposure to urban biodiversity management within a world-class horticultural setting. Working at the intersection of tourism and conservation provides unique insights into how large-scale public attractions can minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high operational standards. You will deepen your expertise in carbon accounting and the practical application of national sustainability frameworks in a commercial context. Additionally, the position offers the chance to collaborate with renowned research entities and nature groups, providing a high-level network within the Southeast Asian environmental sector. You will likely refine your skills in strategic reporting and stakeholder management by navigating the requirements of both government-linked entities and international visitors.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Science, Management, or Engineering and brings at least four years of professional experience in sustainability roles. You should have a proven track record in carbon accounting and the ability to interpret complex data sets for strategic decision-making. Familiarity with the specific environmental challenges of Singapore or similar tropical urban environments is highly valued. Soft skills are just as critical; the office requires a leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities. You must be able to influence different departments—from horticulture to facilities management—to adopt sustainable practices. A balanced perspective that considers both operational feasibility and ambitious conservation goals is essential for success in this role.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and how it relates to the tourism and horticulture sectors. Don't just list your technical skills; explain how you have used data-driven insights to change organizational behavior in previous roles. Highlighting specific experience with biodiversity surveys or urban ecology will give you a significant edge. Tailor your cover letter to show your passion for Gardens by the Bay’s dual mission of education and conservation. Emphasize your ability to act as a bridge between technical environmental requirements and public-facing communication. Demonstrating that you can manage the high visibility of such an iconic brand while maintaining scientific rigor will impress the hiring committee.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on climate mitigation and ecological integrity. You will be at the forefront of developing carbon reduction pathways, ensuring the gardens move toward Net Zero in alignment with national targets. This involves deep dives into energy efficiency, particularly for the site's large-scale cooling and maintenance systems, as well as water conservation strategies. Another significant focus is biodiversity promotion. Unlike a standard corporate ESG role, this position is rooted in the physical landscape of the gardens. You will work to ensure that the 101-hectare site serves as a functional habitat for local fauna, using surveys and scientific partnerships to boost the 'City in a Nature' vision through active conservation management.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main challenges is balancing visitor experience with strict sustainability targets. As a major tourist destination, the gardens must maintain high aesthetic and comfort standards, which can sometimes conflict with aggressive energy or waste reduction goals. Navigating these trade-offs requires creative problem-solving and constant negotiation with operational departments. Additionally, managing stakeholder expectations across various nature groups, government bodies, and internal departments can be complex. You will need to maintain scientific integrity in your biodiversity reporting while ensuring that the sustainability narrative is accessible and engaging for the general public.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a review of fauna survey data or a meeting with the horticultural team to discuss new planting strategies that enhance local biodiversity. You might spend your afternoon analyzing energy consumption patterns to refine the garden's carbon reduction roadmap or drafting a high-level report for the management team regarding progress against the Green Plan 2030 targets. Interspersed with these tasks are collaborative sessions with marketing and communications teams to ensure that the garden's sustainability efforts are effectively showcased to visitors. The role is highly varied, moving from field-based observations and site inspections to boardroom presentations and strategic planning sessions.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers significant leadership development as you head a critical office within a high-profile organization. Success in this role could lead to executive sustainability positions or senior advisory roles within the public and private sectors in Singapore. The high visibility of the projects you lead provides a platform to become a recognized expert in urban sustainability. There are also opportunities for lateral growth by involving yourself in international conservation networks or sustainability forums where Gardens by the Bay is represented. The role’s breadth allows you to build a comprehensive portfolio that covers almost every aspect of the ESG spectrum, from technical carbon management to social education.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with horticultural departments and facilities managers to implement on-site sustainability initiatives. Externally, your key partners will include nature groups, research entities, and biodiversity experts who support your conservation efforts. These relationships are vital for ensuring that the garden’s ecological strategies are scientifically sound. At the corporate level, you will engage with GB Management and potentially government representatives to report on national sustainability milestones. You also act as a secondary stakeholder to the millions of local and overseas visitors, as your work directly shapes the environmental narrative they encounter during their visit.

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