Cost Manager - Data Centre

Turnertownsend; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced Cost Manager to oversee cost control, procurement, and contract administration for large-scale data centre and mission-critical projects. The role supports design development, value engineering, and tight cost reporting across the project lifecycle.

Candidates should have 5–10 years in cost management or quantity surveying, with CSA or MEP expertise. MRICS or equivalent is advantageous; data centre experience highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
• MRICS or equivalent accreditation is advantageous.
• 5-10 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or commercial management.
• Experience in CSA or MEP packages and data centre projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cost planning: prepare and manage estimates, budgets, and cost plans.
• Forecast expenditures and provide accurate cost forecasts.
• Provide commercial advice during design development and value engineering.
• Lead tendering and procurement for CSA or MEP packages; prepare pricing schedules and evaluations.
• Manage variations, change orders, and contractor claims; review payment apps.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and project updates.

Skills

Cost management

Quantity surveying

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

MRICS or equivalent accreditation advantageous

5-10 years of cost management experience

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager to support the delivery of large-scale data centre and mission‑critical projects. This role is open to candidates with either CSA (Civil, Structural & Architectural) or MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) expertise.

You will be responsible for managing project costs across the full project lifecycle, ensuring effective cost control, procurement management, contract administration, and financial reporting while supporting the successful delivery of complex and fast‑paced projects.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Budget Management

• Prepare and manage cost estimates, project budgets, and detailed cost plans.


• Monitor project expenditure and maintain accurate cost forecasts.


• Provide commercial and cost advice during design development.


• Support value engineering initiatives and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.

Procurement & Tender Management

• Lead tendering and procurement activities for CSA or MEP trade packages.


• Prepare tender documentation, pricing schedules, and commercial evaluations.


• Analyze tender submissions and provide recommendations for contractor appointments.


• Support contract negotiations and procurement strategies aligned with project objectives.

Contract Administration

• Manage variations, change orders, and contractor claims.


• Review and assess contractor progress claims and payment applications.


• Maintain accurate contract and commercial records.


• Support final account negotiations and project close‑out activities.

Cost Control & Reporting

• Prepare monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and financial updates.


• Monitor project budgets and identify cost variances, risks, and opportunities.


• Maintain cost tracking systems and ensure compliance with project governance requirements.


• Provide regular commercial reporting to clients and project stakeholders.

Stakeholder & Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, consultants, contractors, and client representatives.


• Attend project meetings and provide commercial input to support decision‑making.


• Support coordination between design, procurement, and construction teams.


• Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and manage commercial and project cost risks.


• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and project controls.


• Support dispute avoidance and commercial resolution activities.


• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Professional accreditation (MRICS or equivalent) is advantageous.

5-10 years of experience in cost management, quantity surveying, or commercial management.

Strong experience in either: CSA packages including structure, façade, architectural, or fit‑out works; or MEP packages including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, or critical infrastructure systems.

Data centre, mission‑critical, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, or industrial project experience is highly preferred.

Previous experience within a cost consultancy, project management consultancy, contractor, or client‑side environment is advantageous.

Culture & Benefits

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

E‑EO & Diversity

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

Social Media

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Recruitment Policy

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e‑mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.