Assistant Director, Procurement & Admin

National Library Board

Fixed Terms

Closing on 04 Sep 2025

What the role is

The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through our network of 28 libraries across Singapore, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.

At NLB, you can look forward to a flexible, hybrid work environment with rewarding, impactful deliverables that improve the lives of the community. With caring colleagues, you will be in an ideal environment for professional development, innovation and impact.
We can offer you:
• A chance to Impact the Community, bridge gaps and empower everyone with the opportunity for learning and discovery.
• An opportunity to Innovate and Push Boundaries. We value ideas, curiosity and a passion for innovation to transform our libraries and archives.
• An organisation that Cares for your Growth and Wellbeing through investment in staff development and wellbeing in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As an Assistant Director, you play a critical role in the planning and execution of the procurement and administrative functions of the department. You will work closely with various stakeholders in reviewing NLB’s policies and the strategic planning for the divisions’ procurement needs. Your key responsibilities include the following:

What you will be working on

Develop strategic procurement plan in partnership with stakeholders to meet NLB’s strategic goals and outcomes, including establishing demand aggregation opportunities; provide advice to divisions in procurement decisions especially for complex purchases; manage stakeholders and resolve identified issues with the stakeholders in a timely manner.
Advise & guide a team of procurement account managers to support divisions on their purchase requirements and propose appropriate sourcing strategies that best meet the divisions’ business needs.
Develop and build capability of the project managers and the procurement account managers to equip them with the required competencies; review and refresh the procurement competency framework for project managers and approving officers.
Develop and review NLB’s administration policies and procedures to ensure governance and efficiency for NLB; prepare proposals for new NLB policies/revisions of existing policies for Senior Management’s approval.
Establish strategies for NLB’s contracts pertaining to corporate admin services; lead the establishment and renewal of NLB-wide admin contracts and oversee the related contract management matters.
Initiate improvements in NLB’s processes through automation, technology and data analytics.
Oversee the various administrative functions to support NLB corporate office (e.g. printing of corporate collaterals, replenishment of meeting room and pantry supplies).
Oversee the system administration matters of central systems (e.g. Workday, GeBIZ) and the implementation of the enhanced features to support NLB’s operations.
Assist in the strategic planning for the department workplans/other initiatives and lead the efforts in implementation.

What we are looking for

Preferably at least 8 years of relevant experience in public sector procurement, with some experience in office administration, and at least 2 years’ experience in leadership position
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written & spoken)
Strong leadership skills
Meticulous and attentive to details
Able to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results under tight timelines

The successful candidate will be appointed on a 2-year contract at the first instance.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Library Board

To each reader, the library is a window to a vibrant imagination and exciting possibilities. For families, the library experience occupies a special in their hearts and of memories collected over generations. Libraries hold a special and familiar place in each of our hearts. NLB seeks to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society. If you share our passion to create memorable library experiences for all our readers, we invite you to join the NLB family.

About your application process

This job is closing on 04 Sep 2025.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within National Library Board or the wider Public Service.