Principal Design Lead, Innovation Lab, ServiceSG, Public Service Division

Principal Design Lead, Innovation Lab, ServiceSG, Public Service Division Principal Design Lead, Innovation Lab, ServiceSG, Public Service Division Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Sign in to access AI-powered advices Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google Continue with Google What The Role Is About Public Sector Transformation (PST) What The Role Is About Public Sector Transformation (PST) The operating environment of the Public Service is undergoing fundamental and rapid change. The issues we face are complex and multi-faceted, which impact the way the Public Service operates and organises itself. Internally, the changes in workforce profile have necessitated a new approach in how the workplace is designed, while the pervasiveness of technology has fundamentally changed the way we conduct our business. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to helm PSD’s Design Thinking Consultancy known as ‘Innolab’ — an in-house Centre-of-Government (COG) strategic consulting team that partners with public agencies to solve complex policy, service, and organisational challenges using human-centred and systems thinking approaches. Heading the design thinking practice, you will engage directly with senior leaders and public officers to design innovative and practical solutions to pressing public sector challenges. You will also play a critical role in nurturing the next generation of public sector design practitioners and fostering a vibrant design practice community across government. You will have a key role in shaping the narrative and agenda for design as a critical enabler of policy innovation and citizen-centric public service delivery. What You Will Be Working On Key Responsibilities Leadership and Oversight of Design Consulting Projects Identify opportunities to apply human-centred design in addressing complex, cross-agency challenges and Whole-of-Government (WOG) priorities. Lead the scoping, framing, and execution of design projects spanning public policy, digital transformation, service innovation, and organisational/system redesign. Oversee end-to-end project delivery, ensuring research depth, stakeholder alignment, and actionable outcomes. Guide and quality-assure the delivery of projects to ensure impact, rigour, and alignment with PSD’s transformation goals. Facilitate workshops and co-design sessions involving diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders, public officers, and citizens. Resource and Talent Deployment Hire and match design consultants to projects based on their skills, development needs, and project complexity to ensure optimal fit and delivery success. Monitor team capacity, manage resource allocation, and maintain a balanced project portfolio. Oversee collaboration with external consultants, design fellows, or public sector partners where appropriate. Team Leadership and Capability Development Coach and mentor a team of design consultants to grow their professional capabilities and leadership potential. Cultivate a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team culture grounded in public service values. Shape learning opportunities and developmental pathways for consultants within PSD and across the wider Public Service. Responsibilities In addition to these core responsibilities, the Innolab design practice leader and team of consultants will also work collaboratively with key stakeholders to provide thought leadership and expertise to: Develop a Next Generation of Public Sector Design Practitioners Lead initiatives to inspire, train, and mentor emerging design talent in the public service. Partner with agencies and training institutes to build and sustain a pipeline of skilled public officers equipped with design mindsets and capabilities. Shape learning frameworks, curricula, and practical design experiences to embed design as a core skill across the service. Nurture a Vibrant Public Sector Design Practice Community Build and lead a community of design practitioners across government through knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collective problem-solving. Champion best practices, frameworks, and case studies that demonstrate the value and application of design in government. Organise community events such as practice circles, public service design conferences, and cross-agency design labs. What We Are Looking For Competencies Required [Customer Experience and Service Design]: Contextualise and apply design methodologies and processes to understand different customer segments (e.g. characteristics, behaviours and needs) and design services around customer journey and experience. [System Thinking]: See the different levels of the system in the organisation, their interconnections and interdependencies, and applies understanding to the work performed. [Thinking Clearly and Making Sound Judgements]: Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Able to work with ambiguity and loosely defined problem spaces, and investigate to sense-make and propose sound and timely solutions. [Change Implementation]: Assess change risk and readiness to develop and implement interventions that help officers transit through the change to achieve the intended successful outcomes. [Working Effectively with Citizens and Stakeholders]: Work closely with other stakeholders and public service agencies in our effort to engage citizens and public officers to deepen understanding of the issues on hand in an empathetic manner. Influence and mobilise all parties to see beyond individual goals towards a collective purpose, and to co-create solutions for a common good. Technical Skills And Experience At least 10 years of relevant experience in design consultancy, public sector innovation, service design, or transformation work. At least 5 years in a leadership role managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagements. Deep expertise in human-centred design, design research, journey mapping, systems thinking, and service transformation. Proven track record of delivering high-impact, complex design projects, preferably in or with the public sector. Leadership Attributes Strategic thinker with excellent facilitation, communication, and influencing skills. Empathetic and visionary leader who can coach teams, develop talent, and shape public sector capabilities. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility and trust with senior public officers. Passionate about public service, design for good, and organisational development. Preferred Qualifications Background in design, innovation, public policy, organisational development, or a related field. Familiarity with Singapore’s Public Service values, ethos, and operating context is an advantage. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified within 4 weeks after closing date. Successful candidates will be offered a 2-year contract in the first instance. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Research and Analyst Industries Government Administration and Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Public Service Division (Singapore) by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Design Principal” roles. 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Location: Singapore, Pedra Branca, SG

Posted Date: 7/5/2025