Cost Manager

Turner Construction Company; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An international construction firm is seeking a Chartered Quantity Surveyor to manage cost, commercial, and contractual aspects of projects in Kuala Lumpur. This role demands strategic leadership in cost planning, procurement, and post-contract management. Ideal candidates possess at least 10 years of experience in large-scale projects, strong negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of cost management processes. Successful applicants will engage with various stakeholders, ensuring projects adhere to budgets and contractual obligations.

Qualifications

• Chartered Quantity Surveyor status (MRICS / FRICS / MRISM / BQSM) required.
• At least 10 years of related work experience.
• Strong knowledge of cost management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead project cost planning and budget management.
• Oversee pre-contract and procurement stages.
• Manage post-contract cost control and variances.
• Facilitate change management processes.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in quantity surveying or engineering

Job description

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

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 include but not limited to the following:

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.

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.