Head of Commercial (Turnkey Fit-Out Experience)

Agensi Pekerjaan Randstad Sdn Bhd - Professional; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Malaysia is seeking a Head of Commercial with extensive experience in Turnkey Fit-Outs. This role involves driving the commercial strategy and P&L, ensuring project profitability, and managing key corporate client relationships. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience at a Senior Manager level in the construction or property development sectors. Strong leadership and negotiation skills are essential, along with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• At least 8 to 10+ years of progressive commercial experience.
• Proven track record operating at a Senior Manager or Director level.
• Deep knowledge of tendering, contract law, and construction processes.

Responsibilities

• Own the commercial strategy and P&L for the department.
• Lead pre-contract activities, including Quantity Surveying and budget forecasting.
• Direct and mentor the commercial and QS teams.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Contract Management

Financial Oversight

Business Development

Leadership and Team Management

Stakeholder Negotiation

Strategic Planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Finance, or Business Administration

MBA or Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

JCT contracts

FIDIC contracts

Job description

Head of Commercial (Turnkey Fit-Out Experience)

about the company
Be at the forefront of Malaysian design and construction with a leading firm specializing in Turnkey Fit-Outs: corporate offices, financial services, retail & lifestyle. Renowned for innovative design solutions and seamless project execution, this is your opportunity to join a dynamic team driving creative workplace transformations.

about the job

• Strategic P&L Ownership: Owns the commercial strategy and P&L (Profit & Loss) for the department, responsible for driving revenue growth and ensuring all projects meet strict profitability targets.
• Full-Cycle Cost Control & Tendering: Leads all pre-contract activities including comprehensive Quantity Surveying (BQ/QTO), budget forecasting, and developing Value Engineering (VE) strategies to secure competitive bids.
• High-Level Contract & Risk Management: Serves as the final authority on contract negotiation, drafting, and administration (D&B, Sub-Con), actively mitigating financial risks and claims exposure across the project portfolio.
• MNC & Corporate Sales Support: Drives business development and manages relationships with key corporate clients and consultants, ensuring high service quality that meets strict MNC standards.
• Senior Leadership & Governance: Directs and mentors the commercial and QS teams, implementing robust systems for financial reporting, project auditing, and final account agreement.

about the requirements

• Education: A Bachelor's degree is the minimum, typically in Quantity Surveying (QS), Construction Management, Finance, or Business Administration. An MBA or Master's degree is often preferred.
• Experience Level: At least 8 to 10+ years of progressive commercial experience, with a proven track record (3-5 years minimum) operating at a Senior Manager or Director level in a relevant industry (Construction, Corporate Fit-Out, or Property Development).
• Technical Foundation: Deep knowledge of tendering, contract law, Bills of Quantities (BQ), and construction processes (especially fit-out specific areas like M&E/ID works).

Core Technical and Commercial Competencies
The role is ultimately responsible for the financial success of the projects and the department, requiring mastery in:

• Commercial Acumen: Expertise in developing and executing commercial strategies, pricing models, and feasibility studies to maximize profitability and capture market share.
• Contract Management: Proficiency in negotiating, drafting, and managing major contracts (JCT, FIDIC, etc.) and handling complex post-contract issues like claims and variations (VOs).
• Financial Oversight: Strong command of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and financial reporting to senior management. This is distinct from general sales management.
• Business Development (BD): Proven success in identifying, securing, and nurturing relationships with high-value corporate and regional clients (MNC standards).

Leadership and Soft Skills (The Differentiators)

Since this is a "Head of" role, leadership and strategic management skills are crucial:

• Leadership and Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team covering sales, pre-contract, and Quantity Surveying roles.
• Stakeholder Negotiation: Exceptional skills in negotiating major contracts with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, while protecting the company's profitability.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to analyze market trends (e.g., shifts in corporate real estate or sustainable design) and pivot commercial strategies accordingly.
• Communication: Fluency in English and often Mandarin or other regional languages is highly advantageous in the diverse Malaysian commercial landscape.
• Professional Certification (Highly Valued): Holding certifications like PMP or membership in a relevant professional body is a strong plus.

about the manager/team
Your team/manager autonomy at work where quality is a key part of their success. This role will be reporting to the Managing Director.