Strategic Project Associate - Job Opportunity at Sika

Singapore, Singapore
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 26, 2025
On-site
SGD 65,000 - 85,000 per year (USD 48,000 - 63,000), reflecting Singapore's competitive market for strategy and consulting professionals with 2-4 years experience. The role's requirement for top-tier consulting background and cross-functional leadership responsibilities typically commands premium compensation in the specialty chemicals sector.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze and interpret complex data sets to define strategic actions with Business, Marketing, Operations and other stakeholders, driving evidence-based solutions to critical business challenges that impact regional performance
Actively support country organizations in reviewing and implementing their strategic business plans, ensuring alignment with regional objectives and maximizing market penetration across APAC territories
Contribute to the development of comprehensive strategic plans for APAC region through cross-functional collaboration, influencing multi-million dollar investment decisions and market expansion initiatives
Lead process improvement initiatives and develop innovative solutions, orchestrating their implementation across multiple country organizations to drive operational excellence and competitive advantage
Create high-impact presentations and data visualizations for senior leadership, translating complex analytical insights into compelling strategic narratives that inform executive decision-making

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Data Science, Engineering or related fields

Experience

2-4 years of experience with strategic projects and data analysis at a top consulting company or in a strategy/ business development team

Required Skills

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with ability of translating data insights into actionable plans Strong ability to connect the dots and create compelling stories suitable for top management High autonomy combined with an entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do attitude Positive and energetic spirit that brings innovative ideas that engage people around you Proficiency in Excel and Office suite, knowledge of data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, BI) is a plus Fluency in English (written and spoken) Flexible for occasional international travels
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The specialty chemicals industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by sustainability mandates and environmental regulations, particularly in construction and automotive sectors where Sika operates. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing eco-friendly bonding, sealing, and protective solutions to meet stringent environmental standards and carbon reduction targets. Digital transformation in manufacturing and construction is creating demand for data-driven strategic roles that can bridge traditional chemical engineering with modern analytics capabilities. Strategic project associates are becoming crucial in helping companies navigate complex supply chain optimizations and market expansion strategies. The APAC region represents the fastest-growing market for specialty chemicals, with infrastructure development in Southeast Asia, India, and continued urbanization in China driving demand for construction chemicals. This growth is creating opportunities for strategic roles focused on regional business development and market penetration strategies.

Role Significance

Likely part of a lean strategic project management team of 4-8 professionals within APAC, working closely with country managers, operations directors, and sales leadership across multiple markets. The role involves matrix management and coordination with diverse stakeholders rather than direct reports.
Mid-level strategic role with significant cross-functional influence and direct exposure to senior leadership. The position involves contributing to regional strategic planning and leading process improvements across multiple countries, indicating substantial responsibility and decision-making authority beyond typical associate-level roles.

Key Projects

Regional market expansion strategies for emerging APAC territories with focus on construction and automotive sectors Digital transformation initiatives including implementation of data analytics platforms and business intelligence systems across country operations Operational efficiency programs targeting supply chain optimization and manufacturing process improvements across 400+ global facilities Strategic business plan development and execution for country organizations with revenue targets typically ranging from $50M to $500M depending on market size

Success Factors

Ability to synthesize complex data from diverse sources across multiple countries and cultures, requiring strong analytical skills combined with cultural sensitivity and business acumen to drive meaningful insights and actionable recommendations. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management capabilities to influence senior executives and country managers without direct authority, leveraging compelling storytelling and data visualization to drive strategic alignment across diverse markets. Entrepreneurial mindset with execution focus to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementation, ensuring that strategic plans translate into measurable business results and operational improvements. Deep understanding of specialty chemicals industry dynamics, including regulatory environments, customer buying patterns, and competitive landscapes across different APAC markets to provide contextually relevant strategic recommendations.

Market Demand

High demand due to the intersection of sustainability transformation, digital analytics capabilities, and APAC market growth requiring strategic professionals who can drive both operational efficiency and business development initiatives.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Data analysis and visualization capabilities using Excel, Tableau, and BI tools are essential for transforming complex operational and market data into actionable strategic insights. In the specialty chemicals industry, success depends on ability to identify patterns across diverse markets, customer segments, and product lines to drive growth strategies. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial for navigating the complex interplay between technical product requirements, regulatory constraints, and market dynamics in specialty chemicals. The ability to connect disparate data points and develop comprehensive solutions directly impacts business performance and competitive positioning. Cross-functional communication and stakeholder management abilities are vital for influencing diverse teams across different countries and cultures without direct authority. Success requires building consensus among technical experts, sales teams, operations managers, and senior executives with varying priorities and perspectives.

Beneficial Skills

Industry knowledge of construction, automotive, or chemicals sectors would provide valuable context for understanding customer needs, regulatory requirements, and competitive dynamics that influence strategic decision-making and market expansion opportunities. Project management certification or experience with change management methodologies would enhance ability to drive complex implementation initiatives across multiple country organizations and functional teams in a matrix organizational structure. Fluency in additional Asian languages (Mandarin, Japanese, or Bahasa Indonesia) would facilitate deeper market insights and stakeholder relationships in key APAC growth markets, potentially accelerating career advancement opportunities within the regional organization.

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in shaping multi-billion dollar regional strategy for one of the world's leading specialty chemicals companies, providing exposure to complex international business dynamics and market expansion strategies across diverse emerging economies.
Opportunity to work at the intersection of traditional manufacturing and digital transformation, helping drive the evolution of a century-old company toward data-driven decision making and operational excellence in the rapidly changing chemicals industry.
Strategic role in sustainability transformation initiatives, contributing to the development of environmentally compatible solutions that support global construction and transportation sector evolution toward carbon neutrality and circular economy principles.
Access to extensive international network and cross-cultural business experience through collaboration with country organizations across APAC, providing valuable exposure to diverse market conditions, regulatory environments, and business practices.

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior strategy roles within 18-24 months, with potential advancement to management positions within 3-4 years given the role's exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional business operations.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Strategic Project Manager with expanded regional responsibility and team leadership opportunities within 18-24 months Regional Business Development Manager focusing on specific country markets or product lines within 2-3 years Strategy Manager or Principal roles at top-tier consulting firms leveraging industry expertise and analytical capabilities General Manager or Country Manager positions within Sika or similar multinational chemical companies within 4-5 years

Company Overview

Sika

Sika is a leading global specialty chemicals company with over 100 years of history, generating CHF 11.76 billion in revenue in 2024 with operations in 102 countries. The company holds market-leading positions in construction chemicals, automotive, and industrial adhesives, serving as a critical supplier to major infrastructure and manufacturing projects worldwide.

Sika ranks among the top 3 global players in specialty construction chemicals and automotive adhesives, competing with companies like Henkel, 3M, and BASF. The company's strong market position is built on innovation capabilities, global manufacturing footprint, and long-term customer relationships in both construction and industrial sectors.
Singapore serves as Sika's strategic hub for APAC operations, overseeing significant growth markets including Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. The location provides access to rapidly expanding construction markets and serves as a regional center for business development, supply chain coordination, and strategic planning across diverse emerging economies.
Swiss-based multinational culture emphasizing precision, quality, and long-term thinking combined with entrepreneurial spirit required for emerging market expansion. The company culture typically values technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and results-driven performance with opportunities for international exposure and career development across global operations.
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