Director, Business Operations Office

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Communications Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies, Advanced Electronic Components and Systems, IoT Sensing and AI Technologies, and Innovative Mind.

It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. To date, ASTRI has transferred almost 1400 technologies to the industries and been granted more than 1050 patents in the Mainland, the US, and other countries.

To support our constant endeavour to position Hong Kong as a world-class smart city and an international hub of innovation and technology, we are seeking qualified professionals to fill the following position(s):

Job Responsibilities:

• Report to the Head of Operations and Industry Engagement
• Lead efforts to enhance R&D project integrity in three dimensions: Quality, Efficiency and Compliance
• Coordinate overall R&D project planning, closing and post-project evaluation through collaborations with Technology Divisions (TDs)
• Monitor the integrity of the manpower charging process and drive corrective actions with TDs when deviations are identified
• Scrutinize R&D project proposals and resource deployment plans to uphold the required quality standards
• Review the business processes regularly for continuous improvements, and compliance with established policies and guidelines
• Communicate guidelines and policies in a timely manner to ensure consistent understanding among all relevant staff
• Coordinate ASTRI’s operational planning process. Lead efforts to monitor and manage charging on Operational Reserves (OR)
• Act as the central point of contact for the reporting of operational metrics and be the owner of Project Work Time System (PWT) and Project Management Database (PMDS). Lead business analysis and management reporting efforts to present overall business and key initiative status to senior management
• Lead efforts to compile reports and papers for endorsement and approval by committee/ Board, and to schedule and manage the vetting and approval of projects

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of work experience (5 years plus for Manager’s role)
• Solid and hands-on experience in business operations that covers project application, vetting, mid-point review, to final delivery and reporting, overarching operational metrics, preferably in the public and/or technology sectors. Operation experience in government funding schemes and/or accounting background are pluses
• Able to lead and manage effectively while upholding the highest standard of integrity, and deal with ambiguous and complex situations
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills; excellent project management, time management and problem-solving skills. Able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English and Chinese. Proficiency in Putonghua is a plus
• Able to be very detailed oriented and hands-on in managing different project scopes with good follow-up skills
• Technical capability and willingness to work under pressure are pluses
• Live ASTRI values

The appointment will be on renewable contract terms with a competitive salary and performance-linked variable pay. Fringe benefits include paid leave, medical, insurance coverage and contribution to MPF. The incumbent will normally work a five-day week.

For interested parties, please submit your application with detailed CV within two weeks of the post date. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. The review of applications will continue until post is filled.

The resume should not include any sensitive personal information such as ID card no. or passport number, photo, etc.

Position offer is subject to the applicant’s experience and academic qualification. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. ASTRI reserves the right not to fill the position.

ASTRI is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used exclusively for recruitment only. For details, please refer to ASTRI Privacy Policy Statement.