Cost Manager

Turner International Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international construction services company is seeking a Cost Manager in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This role involves overseeing the overall cost and commercial management of construction projects, providing strategic leadership on CSA and MEP cost management. Candidates should possess a chartered quantity surveyor status and at least 10 years of related experience, along with strong negotiation and analytical skills. The company is recognized for delivering large, complex projects and fostering innovation.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of working experience in a related field.
• Proven experience in CSA and MEP cost management on large-scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of pre-contract and post-contract cost management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of project cost plans and budgets.
• Provide commercial leadership during pre-contract stages.
• Oversee post-contract cost management and commercial control.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Chartered Quantity Surveyor status (MRICS / FRICS / MRISM / BQSM)

Job description

Add expected salary to your profile for insights

Overview

The Cost Manager is responsible for the overall cost, commercial, and contractual management of construction projects from early design through project close-out. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across CSA and MEP cost management, ensuring projects are delivered within approved budgets, contractual frameworks, and best-value outcomes for the client. The Cost Manager supports project governance and decision-making through accurate cost planning, forecasting, risk management, and commercial oversight, working closely with project teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

1. Cost Planning & Budget Management

   Lead the development of project cost plans, budgets, and estimates from concept through detailed design.

   Establish and maintain approved cost baselines, contingencies, and cost control procedures.

   Review and validate CSA and MEP cost inputs to ensure alignment with project scope and design intent.

   Advise the project team on cost implications of design changes, value engineering, and procurement strategies.

2. Pre-Contract & Procurement Oversight

   Provide commercial leadership during pre-contract stages, including feasibility, tender strategy, and procurement planning.

   Review and endorse tender documentation, cost estimates, and commercial recommendations for CSA and MEP packages.

   Oversee tender evaluations, negotiations, and contract award recommendations.

   Ensure contracts are commercially sound, balanced, and aligned with project risk allocation.

3. Post-Contract Cost & Commercial Control

   Oversee post-contract cost management, including valuations, variations, claims, and change control.

   Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and forecasts.

   Review and approve cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and commercial dashboards.

   Ensure timely identification and mitigation of cost risks and opportunities.

4. Change Management & Variations

   Establish and enforce a robust change management process across CSA and MEP works.

   Review and approve significant variation orders, change requests, and claims.

   Provide commercial advice on entitlement, valuation methodology, and negotiation strategy.

   Ensure variations are assessed fairly, transparently, and in accordance with contract terms.

   Support the assessment and resolution of claims, loss and expense, and disputes.

   Provide strategic input into claim defense or negotiation strategies.

   Identify commercial and contractual risks early and implement mitigation measures.

   Maintain a project-wide commercial risk register.

5. Final Accounts & Project Close-Out

   Oversee the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of final accounts for CSA and MEP packages.

   Ensure all commercial matters are resolved prior to project completion.

   Support lessons learned and cost benchmarking for future projects.

6. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

   Provide leadership and mentoring to QSs, Cost Engineers, and commercial team members.

   Act as the primary commercial interface with clients, consultants, and senior stakeholders.

   Support project governance forums with clear, concise cost and commercial reporting.

   Promote best practices in cost management, ethics, and compliance.

Qualifications

Requirements:

Candidate must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in quantity surveying, Architecture/Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Chartered Quantity Surveyor status (MRICS / FRICS / MRISM / BQSM) required.

At least 10 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.

Proven experience leading CSA and MEP cost management on large-scale building, industrial, data centre, or infrastructure projects.

Strong knowledge of pre-contract and post-contract cost management processes.

Solid understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. PAM, FIDIC).

Excellent commercial judgement, leadership, and negotiation skills.

Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with others in an integrated team environment.

Good English written and oral communication skills.

Application Details

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Your application will include the following questions:

• What’s your expected monthly basic salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Cost Manager?
• Do you have experience preparing and submitting tenders?

Turner is a North American–based, international construction services company and a leading builder across diverse market segments. Recognised for delivering large, complex projects, Turner fosters innovation, embraces emerging technologies, and creates lasting impact for clients, employees, and communities. With over 15,000 employees worldwide, Turner completes more than USD 20 billion in construction annually. Through Turner International, the company provides project and construction management consultancy services outside the U.S. and Canada, working with global and local partners to deliver technically sophisticated projects across Southeast Asia, India, and Europe.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, MY

17d ago

BANGSAR HEIGHTS PAVILION SDN. BHD.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, MY

9d ago

Head of Procurement & Contract Governance

14d ago

Researching careers? Find all the information and tips you need on career advice.