James Tan

Senior Manager | Operations & Support | Strategic Planning | Contract & Risk Management | EHS Compliance | Technology Leadership

Singapore

About

Senior Manager with 20 years of experience in the defense and engineering industry, specializing in operations management, governance, and strategic planning. Proven track record in leading large-scale teams, managing multi-million-dollar contracts, and driving operational excellence. Expert in: Operations & Governance: Streamlining processes, resource allocation, and performance optimization. Contract & Risk Management: Handling complex, multi-year availability model contracts and bids. Programme & Security Management: Ensuring compliance and safeguarding organizational assets. Quality & EHS Compliance: Implementing ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and quality standards for sustainable operations. Technology Leadership: Overseeing enterprise systems and digital transformation initiatives. Education: Bachelor of Science (Hons, 2nd Upper) in Operations Management, University College Dublin. Core Strengths: Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Cost Control, Process Standardization, Team Development.

Experience

  • SMART Systems Pte Ltd (A company of ST Engineering Land Systems) ()
    • Senior Manager, Operations and Support
      Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Lead operational and strategic planning for a division of more than 20 staff, overseeing business streams exceeding $15 million in annual revenue. Direct full-spectrum Operations Management, including Risk, Bids, and Contract Governance. Execute strategic production planning, ensuring cost efficiency, resource optimization, and consistent service delivery. Oversee Quality Control, standardization efforts across functions, and EHS compliance (ISO 14001 & 45001), elevating operational maturity. Manage fiscal performance including budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost reduction initiatives. Drive facility management and asset optimization to support evolving business needs. Implement technology and system improvements to enhance productivity and traceability. Champion staff leadership, mentorship, and performance alignment with corporate goals.

    • Principal Engineer - Head, Customer Support Centre
      Jan 2015 - Feb 2025 · 10 yrs 2 mos

      Pioneered the Customer Support Centre (CSC), leading a dedicated team managing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) programs and O&S (Operations & Support) projects generating over $10M annual revenue. Led 20 project managers and engineers across 8 long-term defense maintenance and support contracts, serving both local and international clients. Directed end-to-end bid and proposal management for RFIs, tenders, and contract negotiations. Oversaw execution of multiple large defense programs involving remote weapon systems, FLIR, electro-optics, launch systems, and simulator platforms. Drove business growth through targeted pursuit of new sales channels and customer engagement strategies. Spearheaded the company’s digital transformation, including full digitization of processes (production, SCM, maintenance, sales) and adoption of analytics platforms. Designed and launched new maintenance and production facilities to meet expanding operational demands. Mentored engineering teams and strengthened organizational knowledge through structured training programs. Served as Internal Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, ensuring sustained readiness for client and regulatory audits.

    • Company Security Manager (Concurrent Role)
      Jan 2008 - Jan 2022 · 14 yrs 1 mo

      Managed all aspects of corporate, facility, and project security for compliance with national defense and ministry standards. Authored and implemented Security Management Plans for high-value defense contracts. Oversaw installation and auditing of IT and physical security systems including access control, CCTV, and classified data environments. Coordinated internal security audits across divisions and external partner sites. Controlled classified hardware, documents, and cyber-protection measures in line with Group Corporate Security policies.