Research Business Manager

The Research Business Manager provides strategic oversight and business management support for Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s research portfolio under the Academic Health Excellence (AHE) mission.

The role encompasses three key areas: business development, research operations, and financial oversight. It aims to ensure that research activities are financially and commercially viable, sustainable, compliant with governance requirements, and aligned with institutional strategic priorities.

Working closely with other CRIO sections, TTSH Site Finance, HR, and research stakeholders, the incumbent oversees research financial planning, fund governance, and the development of robust value proposition frameworks for research services. The role also leads financial evaluations and commercial viability assessments of new research initiatives, while strengthening audit readiness and internal control processes to support the hospital’s evolving and increasingly complex research ecosystem.

In addition, the incumbent will proactively identify and support growth opportunities within the Investigator Medicine Unit (IMU) and Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), enhancing the hospital’s position as a partner of choice for industry-sponsored research.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC (80%)

Revenue Optimisation and Business Development Support

• Collaborate closely with the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) and Investigator Medicine Unit (IMU) to drive end-to-end financial planning, ensuring optimal revenue capture across the clinical trials portfolio. Provide strategic financial input into study feasibility, balancing scientific value with commercial sustainability.

• Lead the development and governance of value proposition frameworks for clinical trials, including costing models, pricing strategies, and benchmarking against industry standards, ensuring appropriate cost recovery while maintaining competitive positioning to attract industry-sponsored trials.

• Conduct rigorous financial and commercial viability assessments for new clinical research initiatives, infrastructure investments, and strategic partnerships, incorporating scenario modelling and ROI analysis to support prioritisation decisions.

• Establish and monitor financial performance dashboards for clinical trials, including contract value tracking, revenue recognition, cost utilisation, and variance analysis. Proactively identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions to optimise financial outcomes.

• Provide actionable financial insights and regular reporting to CRIO leadership, including trends in trial profitability, cost recovery, and overall portfolio performance.

Budget Planning and Financial Analysis

• Support mission-based budgeting and financial planning for research activities under the Clinical, Education, Research and Administration (CERA) framework.

• Perform financial forecasting, variance analysis, and multi-year projections to support institutional planning.

• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, tools, and governance frameworks related to research financials, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting practices.

• Develop management dashboards and reports for CRIO leadership to support strategic decision-making.

Research Financial Management and Governance

• Provide oversight of research financial activities across multiple funding streams, including research grants, clinical trials, philanthropic funds, intellectual property income, and infrastructure-based research services.

• Develop and maintain robust financial tracking frameworks to monitor research revenue, expenditure, and fund utilisation.

• Ensure accurate financial classification, reconciliation, and reporting in compliance with hospital financial policies and funder requirements.

• Collaborate closely with TTSH Site Finance to ensure that research financials are accurately captured and reported within TTSH’s financial statements.

Audit, Risk and Compliance Management

• Strengthen internal controls and maintain audit-ready documentation for research-related financial processes.

• Support preparations for internal and external audits, including MOHH Group Internal Audit (GIA), NHG Control Self-Assessment (CSA), and funder audits.

• Identify financial risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures to enhance compliance and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Serve as a key liaison between CRIO, TTSH Site Finance, HR, and research stakeholders on financial matters relating to research activities.

• Together with TTSH Site Finance, to provide financial guidance and advisory support to researchers and administrators to ensure compliance with financial policies and funding requirements.

• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to streamline research financial workflows and improve overall operational efficiency.

GENERAL (20%)

• Contribute to the development and continuous enhancement of financial SOPs and governance frameworks for research administration.
• Support the development of financial literacy and capabilities among CRIO staff and researchers through training and advisory sessions.
• Participate in departmental planning initiatives and institutional projects related to research governance and financial management.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Director, CRIO.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• At least 5–8 years of relevant experience in financial management, business planning, or audit/compliance roles.
• Experience in research administration, healthcare finance, or academic health institutions will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial analysis, and fund management principles.
• Familiarity with audit processes, internal controls, and governance frameworks.
• Experience working with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to translate financial policies into practical guidance for operational teams.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

2. PROFESSIONAL LICENCE

• Equivalent professional finance or accounting qualifications.