Cost Manager - Data Centre

Turner & Townsend; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 367,000 - 612,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Cost Manager to support large-scale data centre and mission-critical projects. The role can focus on CSA (Civil, Structural & Architectural) or MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) expertise, delivering comprehensive cost control across the full project lifecycle.

You will manage budgets, procurement, contract administration and financial reporting, while providing commercial guidance to design development and project teams in a fast-paced

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 CSA packages (structure, façade, architectural, or fit-out) or MEP packages (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, or critical infrastructure).
• Data centre, mission-critical, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, or industrial project experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cost planning, budgeting and detailed cost plans; monitor expenditure and forecasts.
• Lead tendering and procurement for CSA or MEP trade packages; prepare pricing schedules and evaluations.
• Manage variations, change orders and contractor claims; review payment applications.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts and budgets; monitor variances and risks.
• Coordinate with project managers, consultants, contractors and client representatives; ensure governance and project controls.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Engineering

Job description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Please visit our website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

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.

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.

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