HEAD OF COST AND CONTRACT

HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave benefits

Medical and dental benefits

Job summary

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the Cost and Contract function within the Campus Development Office. The Head will oversee cost planning, procurement strategy, contract administration and governance for capital works and AA&I projects.

The role requires a degree in Quantity Surveying, HKIS/RICS membership, and 15+ years of relevant experience, with strong leadership and bilingual English/Chinese capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying is required.
• Professional membership (HKIS or RICS) is required.
• Minimum 15 years post-qualification experience in QS, cost management, procurement and contracts.
• Experience managing cost for capital works and publicly funded projects.
• Experience in tendering, contract administration and lifecycle cost management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and leadership skills; excellent English and Chinese.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management, budgeting, financial control for projects.
• Oversee procurement, tendering and contract administration activities.
• Strengthen governance, internal controls and compliance across cost, procurement and contracts.
• Lead and develop the Cost and Contract team and promote best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership abilities

English language proficiency

Chinese language proficiency

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

HKIS or RICS membership

15+ years post-qualification experience

Tools

NEC contract framework

Job description

As HKAPA is entering an exciting new phase of development, including plans for a new campus in the Northern Metropolis, we are seeking a highly experienced and strategic professional to join the Campus Development Office as Head of Cost and Contract.

Reporting to the Principal Head (Campus Development and Operations), the appointee will play a pivotal leadership role in supporting this significant initiative and will lead and oversee the Academy's cost management, procurement and contract administration functions, providing strategic direction, governance and professional leadership across the portfolio.

The role is responsible for strengthening governance, enhancing procurement and contractual practices, and providing strategic advice on cost, procurement and contract matters to support the Academy's capital works, renovation and Addition, Alteration and Improvement (AA&I) projects, as well as major term contracts supporting campus operations

Key Responsibilities

(A) Cost Planning and Financial Control

Provide leadership for the Academy's cost management function, including budgeting, cost planning and financial control activities. Ensure project costs and funding requirements are effectively planned and managed to support sound financial stewardship and informed decision-making.

(B) Procurement, Contract Strategy and Administration

Responsible for overseeing the Academy's tendering, procurement and contract administration activities, including the development of contracting strategies and management of tender and contract processes. The role ensures compliance with institutional requirements while promoting sound contractual and risk management practices.

(C) Governance, Process Improvement and Compliance

Responsible for establishing and streamlining workflows, procedures and internal controls relating to cost management, procurement and contract administration. The role focuses on strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, financial regulations and procurement requirements, supported by effective monitoring mechanisms for tenders, contracts, payments and contract renewals.

(D) Leadership and Team Management

Responsible for leading and developing the Cost and Contract team through the promotion of professional standards, best practices and continuous improvement. The role fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration and service excellence in support of the Academy's development and operational objectives.

(E) Other Duties

Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors and senior management of the Academy.

Requirements

Applicants should possess:

(a) A recognised degree in Quantity Surveying;

(b) Professional membership of HKIS (Quantity Surveying Division), RICS or an equivalent professional institution;

(c) Normally, at least 15 years' relevant post-qualification experience in quantity surveying, cost management, procurement and contract administration;

(d) Proven experience in managing the cost and contractual aspects of capital works projects, publicly funded or subvented projects;

(e) Proven experience in cost management, tendering and contract administration throughout the project lifecycle;

(f) Strong analytical, negotiation and leadership skills; and

(g) Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese.

The following experience will be an advantage:

(a) Experience gained in tertiary education institutions, public sector organisations or other complex stakeholder environments;

(b) Experience and qualification in NEC contract framework

(c) Experience in project governance, value engineering, capital planning and funding applications;

(d) Experience in managing major term contracts; and

(e) Experience in major campus development, institutional, cultural or performing arts projects.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment will be made on a two-year contract. Renewal thereafter will be subject to satisfactory performance, operational needs, and the availability of funding. A gratuity payment may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance may be provided to the eligible appointee.

HKAPA is an equal opportunity employer.

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