General Manager, Construction Division

Unique Harvests Sdn. Bhd.; Kuching; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm seeks a Senior Construction Manager in Kuching, Malaysia, to lead the Construction Division. This role involves overseeing project governance, cost management, and compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have 12–15 years of experience in high-rise projects, strong leadership capabilities, and proficiency in English and Malay. Join a dynamic team and take accountability for delivering high-quality construction outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years of progressive construction experience with strong exposure to high-rise and high-end projects.
• Experience in Main Contractor environments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the Construction Division, ensuring projects are executed efficiently.
• Establish and enforce structured project governance across all construction sites.
• Oversee cost control and commercial negotiations.

Skills

Strong knowledge of construction methodologies

Project controls

Safety compliance

Commercial management

Proficiency in English

Proficiency in Malay

Mandarin language capability

Education

Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Job description

To lead and manage the Construction Division at Group level by providing strong operational leadership, disciplined project governance, and accountable delivery of high end construction projects. The role owns construction outcomes while ensuring execution aligns with Group standards, statutory obligations, and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Construction Leadership and Delivery Provide overall leadership for the Construction Division, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in line with approved timelines, specifications, and budgets.

2. Project Governance and Control Establish and enforce structured project governance, reporting, and control mechanisms across all construction sites, including risk identification, escalation thresholds, and resolution pathways.

3. Commercial and Cost Management Oversee cost control, budgeting, variation management, and commercial negotiations to protect project margins and minimise financial exposure.

4. Statutory Compliance and Safety Ensure compliance with all applicable construction regulations, safety standards, and statutory approvals. Enforce disciplined site safety culture and regulatory adherence.

5. Stakeholder and Contractor Management Manage relationships with internal clients, consultants, main contractors, subcontractors, and authorities to ensure alignment, timely decision making, and issue resolution.

6. Team Leadership and Capability Building Lead, mentor, and hold accountable project and site leadership teams to ensure consistent execution standards and sustainable talent development within the Construction Division.

7. Escalation and Risk Management Act as the escalation authority for construction risks, disputes, or delivery challenges, providing clear recommendations to the Managing Director where required.

8. Other Duties Perform other leadership responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director.

Requirements

Education: Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.

Experience: Minimum 12–15 years of progressive construction experience with strong exposure to high‑rise and high end projects and Main Contractor environments.

Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, project controls, safety compliance, and commercial management. Strong proficiency in English and Malay is required. Mandarin language capability is an advantage.

Soft Skills & Attributes:

a. Open to both male and female candidates.

b. Calm and composed leadership presence.

c. High level of judgement, integrity, and accountability.

d. Clear communicator with the ability to advise senior management.

e. Firm but measured in handling sensitive and high‑risk matters.

This is a Senior Leadership role with full accountability for Construction Division performance. Scope expansion or progression is subject to Management discretion and organisational needs.

Unlock job insights

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Construction General Manager?
• How many years' experience do you have as a manager / team lead?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?