Director – Programs & Projects | HK Talent Engage

Job description

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. We are on a public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to foster innovation, create business value and improve societal well-being.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join our dynamic team. Please visit our website www.hkdesigncentre.org for information of HKDC.

Role Overview

The Director of Programs & Projects is a strategic leadership role within HKDC, responsible for both the development and successful delivery of impactful programs and initiatives that strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international design and innovation hub. This role plays a vital part in nurturing future design unicorns, building a sustainable creative ecosystem, and fostering long-term relationships with local and global stakeholders.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, the Director leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that empower local design talent, create global connections, and elevate Hong Kong’s creative reputation. The role requires a leader with strong execution capabilities, deep industry insight, and a passion for advancing the design community through meaningful partnerships, high-impact initiatives, and future-forward thinking.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Industry Advancement

• Advise the Executive Director and contribute to the Executive Management Team’s strategy, offering insights on global design trends, innovation, and emerging opportunities.
• Shape and oversee programs that reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a launchpad for high-potential design talent and businesses, with the long-term aim of cultivating future design unicorns.
• Spearhead initiatives that position Hong Kong as a leader in design-led innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
• Align programs with industry needs and policy priorities, contributing to the sustained growth of the creative economy.

2. Talent Development, Coaching & Global Exposure

• Champion the growth of local design talent, from emerging designers to mid-career creatives.
• Design and implement programs structured with coaching and business skills development, focusing on areas such as entrepreneurship, branding, financial management, marketing, and scaling.
• Provide platforms for designers to showcase their work, including exhibitions, pop-ups, digital campaigns, trade shows, and strategic partnerships.
• Connect local designers with key stakeholders across the region and globally, including manufacturers, distributors, buyers, investors, and mentors.
• Build pipelines that support the long-term success and internationalization of design entrepreneurs and creative businesses.

3. Program & Project Development and Execution

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of HKDC’s signature programs, events, and industry initiatives.
• Manage all phases, including concept development, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, logistics, marketing, execution, and impact evaluation.
• Ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with HKDC’s mission and KPIs, with mechanisms for monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Apply a future-forward, agile approach to program design, allowing adaptability to evolving market trends and designer needs.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain loyal, long-term relationships with local and international stakeholders, including designers, industry leaders, educators, government agencies, funders, and institutions.
• Act as a bridge between local talent and global opportunities, strengthening Hong Kong’s role in international design networks.
• Represent HKDC at high-level meetings, conferences, and strategic forums to promote partnerships, collaborations, and industry visibility.

5. Cross-Disciplinary Leadership & Team Management

• Manage cross-functional and cross-disciplinary projects, integrating design with business, technology, sustainability, and culture.
• Lead and inspire a multi-talented team, cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and impact-driven work culture.
• Oversee team development, performance, and resource allocation, ensuring efficiency and alignment with program goals.

6. Governance, Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Ensure sound financial management, transparency, and compliance across all program operations and funding activities.
• Lead the development and submission of government funding proposals, with a strong track record in securing and managing public grants.
• Maintain high standards of reporting, evaluation, and accountability, in line with HKDC’s governance policies and expectations.
• Undertake strategic and ad hoc assignments that align with the centre’s long-term goals and evolving priorities.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

1. University graduate with a minimum of 16 years’ relevant experience, ideally in design, creative industries, cultural development, or program leadership.
2. Strong expertise in developing and delivering large-scale, high-impact programs focused on creative talent and industry growth.
3. Demonstrated success in design-preneur support, including business coaching, mentoring, incubation/acceleration, and international exposure.
4. Deep understanding of the creative ecosystem, with proven ability to connect designers to stakeholders regionally and globally.
5. Excellent people management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing performance, growth, and collaboration.
6. Solid experience in managing complex, cross-disciplinary projects across design, business, and innovation sectors.
7. Proven ability to write and secure government funding proposals, and manage related compliance and reporting.
8. Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management.
9. Strong commitment to professionalism, ethics, and corporate governance.

Preferred (but not Essential) Skills

1. Experience in retail strategy or managing pop-up/showcase spaces that provide commercial exposure to emerging designers is an advantage.

More information about Hong Kong Design Centre:

https://www.hkdesigncentre.org/

Interested parties are invited to apply by sending your resume with full details of education, work experience, current & expected salary, contact telephone number and earliest available date to the Human Resources Office, Hong Kong Design Centre, 4/F, DX design hub, 280 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon or by clicking “Apply Now” on or before 20 May 2025. HKDC reserves the right not to make appointment for the post(s) advertised. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. All information received will be kept in strict confidence for six months and data will only be used for recruitment purpose.