In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.
Thales established its presence in Singapore in 1973 to support the expansion of aerospace-related activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the last four decades, the company grew from strength to strength and is today involved in the primary businesses of Aerospace (including Air Traffic Management), Defence & Security, Ground Transportation and Digital Identity & Security. Thales today employs over 2,100 people in Singapore across all its business areas.
Position Overview:
We are looking for a highly motivated, results-driven, and entrepreneurial individual with a passion for innovation, to lead and grow the Singapore Chapter of our Global Startup Acceleration Program. This setup comprises of presence in Paris, Montreal and Singapore, running a common program worldwide.
This individual will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the program for the Asian region, driving the success of the program and of participating startups, and fostering strong relationships with mentors, investors, and partners.
As the Program Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our accelerator program, coordinating and collaborating with the Chapter Managers in the other sites, to derive measurable impact to the Group's business and operations.
Responsibilities:
1. Program Management, operation and reporting
- Oversee the end-to-end management of the accelerator program in the region, ensuring alignment with the program in Paris and Montreal
- Manage the program's operational processes, including application cycles, cohort selection, and participant evaluation
- Deliver excellent accelerator experience to founders, mentors, partners and all stakeholders
- Measure and track progress of startups, ensuring achievement of program milestones
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting system to track progress and success of startups within the program
- Prepare regular progress reports and presentation for senior leadership, stakeholders and investors
2. Mentorship & Network Development
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with a diverse network of mentors who can provide valuable guidance and support to startups
- Work closely with startups to understand their needs and provide tailored support, or to match with appropriate mentors
- Organise and manage mentor-mentee interactions, ensuring a high level of engagement and value for both parties
- Coordinate and facilitate workshops, mentorship sessions and networking events for cohort participants
3. Partnership and Business Development
- Identify and build relationships with strategic partners, including potential investors, corporate partners and service providers
- Collaborate with external organisations, industry associations, customers and thought leaders to enhance the program's offerings and reach
- Support startups in activities for raising capital
4. Startup support and advisory
- Identify challenges faced by startups and proactively offer solutions or connect them with appropriate resources
- Regularly assess the performance and growth of startups, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, or a related field (Master's or MBA is a plus)
- 5+ years of experience in startup ecosystems, venture capital, business development, or management consulting
- Proven experience managing or supporting accelerator programs, incubators, or early-stage ventures
- Strong understanding of startup challenges, fundraising processes, business operations, and scaling strategies
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders (startups, investors, mentors, etc.)
- Ability to think strategically and execute tactically in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of aerospace, defence and security industries
- Experience working with startups in a hands-on role
- Familiarity with startup tools, pitch decks, financial modeling, and fundraising platforms
- Fluency in the Korean language is an advantage because the business is engaging with the Korean startup ecosystem
At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here, apply now!
