ASSISTANT MANAGER, QUANTITY SURVEYOR

myNews; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail chain in Petaling Jaya is seeking a qualified professional to lead cost management for multiple retail rollout projects. The ideal candidate will manage project budgets, oversee contract administration, and ensure compliance with internal governance. Strong experience in retail fit-out or commercial construction, alongside advanced skills in cost control systems and negotiation, is essential for this role. Join the team to help drive efficient and effective project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant working experience in retail fit-out or commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and tendering processes.
• Experience managing multiple fast-track projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and review of project budgets and feasibility studies.
• Oversee cost benchmarking across retail rollout projects.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit standards and corporate policies.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Cost control systems

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying

Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Cost reporting tools

Job description

• Lead preparation and review of project budgets, detailed cost plans, feasibility studies, and CAPEX forecasts for new outlets, major revamps, and refurbishment works.
• Oversee cost benchmarking and standardisation across retail rollout projects to improve cost predictability and scalability.
• Monitor overall project financial performance, including cost variance analysis, forecasting, and budget utilisation tracking.
• Implement cost control mechanisms to minimise overruns and protect margin integrity.
• Review and approve progress claims, variation orders, and final accounts prior to management endorsement.
• Provide commercial insights and financial risk assessments to Management for decision-making.
• Validate project progress with Project In-Charge to ensure accurate cost certification and financial reporting.

2. Contract Administration:

• Lead drafting, reviewing, and administering standard form contracts, Letters of Award (LOA), consultancy agreements, and work orders.
• Ensure all contractual documents align with corporate governance policies, approval matrices, and legal requirements.
• Manage variation, extension of time (EOT), and claims assessment in accordance with contract provisions.
• Provide contractual interpretation and advisory support to Project, Operations, and Management teams.
• Oversee systematic contract documentation, registers, and compliance tracking.
• Lead tender documentation preparation, commercial evaluation, and recommendation reports.
• Lead commercial negotiations with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to achieve best value outcomes.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives through value engineering and strategic sourcing.
• Resolve commercial disputes, discrepancies, and contractual issues proactively.
• Act as the key commercial liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Provide strategic recommendations on procurement models and contract structuring.
• Oversee end‑to‑end procurement processes including tender strategy, pre‑qualification, bid analysis, and contract award.
• Ensure procurement activities align with approved CAPEX budgets and project timelines.
• Review and endorse comparative tender analysis and commercial recommendation papers.
• Lead vendor performance evaluation and cost benchmarking initiatives.
• Strengthen vendor database and ensure proper onboarding compliance.
• Monitor PR/PO processes to ensure financial governance and audit readiness.

5. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate financial, contractual, and operational risks across projects.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit standards, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead periodic contract and cost audits to safeguard commercial integrity.
• Develop and improve cost control policies, SOPs, and reporting frameworks.
• Provide commercial risk reports to Management where necessary.
• Prepare and present consolidated cost reports, project financial dashboards, and CAPEX utilisation summaries to Management.
• Monitor retention sums, outstanding payments, accruals, and financial exposure across projects.
• Ensure timely certification of progress claims and accurate financial forecasting.
• Coordinate closely with Finance on cash flow planning and payment prioritisation.

7. Retail Rollout & Expansion Support

• Lead cost planning for multi‑outlet rollout strategies nationwide.
• Establish cost benchmarks and historical data analysis to support expansion forecasting.
• Support feasibility assessments for new locations from a commercial and CAPEX standpoint.
• Provide cost modelling for design evolution and format enhancements.

8. Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Supervise and guide junior QS team members in cost management and contract administration tasks.
• Review and validate documentation prepared by team members.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting systems and cost tracking templates.
• Mentor team members and support professional development initiatives.

9. Data Management & Cost Control Systems

• Oversee maintenance of cost trackers, contract registers, and financial control systems.
• Implement structured cost reporting formats for consistency across projects.
• Drive digitalisation and process improvements within QS operations where applicable.

10. Stakeholder & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Project, Operations, Leasing, Legal, Finance, and Senior Management teams.
• Engage with landlords, mall management, and authorities on commercial and cost‑related matters where required.
• Represent the QS function in internal project meetings and management reviews.

Requirement

• Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant working experience in retail fit‑out, commercial construction, or multi‑site project environments.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, cost control systems, tendering processes, and financial reporting.
• Proven experience in managing multiple fast‑track projects concurrently.
• Strong negotiation and commercial decision‑making skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage tight rollout timelines.