HEAD OF COST AND CONTRACT

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA); Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is seeking a highly experienced Head of Cost and Contract to lead cost planning, procurement strategy and contract administration across major capital works and AA&I projects. Based in Hong Kong, you will drive governance and best practices while supporting campus development and operations.

You will oversee the cost management function, budgeting, tendering and contract administration, reporting to the Principal Head of Campus Development and

Qualifications

• Recognised degree in Quantity Surveying with professional membership.
• Minimum 15 years post‑qualification experience in quantity surveying and cost management.
• Experience in major capital works and publicly funded or subvented projects.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, tendering and contract administration in Hong Kong, including NEC forms.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for cost management, budgeting and financial control activities.
• Oversee tendering, procurement and contract administration, including contracting strategies and processes.
• Strengthen governance, streamline workflows and internal controls for cost management and procurement.
• Lead and develop the Cost and Contract team with a view to service excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

HKIS/RICS membership

Job description

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. Ranked 10th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its graduates and its partnerships with centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and a distinguished alumni network—including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines—the Academy is committed to training future world‑class performers and practitioners.

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, including substantial leadership responsibilities;
• (d) Proven experience in managing the cost and contractual aspects of major capital works projects, preferably publicly funded or subvented projects;
• (e) Strong knowledge of procurement, tendering and contract administration practices in Hong Kong, including NEC and conventional forms of contract;
• (f) Proven experience in cost management, tendering and contract administration throughout the project lifecycle;
• (g) Strong analytical, negotiation and leadership skills; and
• (h) 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 in project governance, value engineering, capital planning and funding applications;
• (c) Experience in managing major term contracts; and
• (d) Experience in major campus development, institutional, cultural or performing arts projects.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement. 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.