Manager Cost & Contract

UEM Lestra Berhad; Johor; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Malaysia is seeking a Cost and Contract Manager to oversee project cost management and contract administration. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring financial efficiency and compliance throughout the project lifecycle, while collaborating with various stakeholders. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 12 years' experience, particularly in large-scale projects. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management, and contract administration.
• Substantial experience on large-scale construction or energy/infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to lead cost control, budgeting, and contract management initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor comprehensive cost control for the project.
• Manage the company’s contract management system and ensure compliance.
• Lead cost analysis for past projects and maintain cost databanks.

Skills

Cost control

Contract management

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying

Professional certification in related field

Tools

MS Excel

Project management tools

Job description

1. JOB PURPOSE

As the site-based Cost and Contract Manager for the Project, accountable for the end-to-end cost and contract lifecycle. This includes leading project estimation, developing and controlling budgets, administering all contract matters, and implementing rigorous cost control measures to ensure financial efficiency, contractual adherence, and on-time delivery per strategic objectives. The incumbent will collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to implement cost-effective strategies that align with the company's objectives.

2. JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES / KEY RESULT ARE

A1) Execute and monitor comprehensive cost control for the project. Establish, manage, and track all budgets, estimates, contract values, and change/variation orders, ensuring rigorous approval protocols. Implement project budget tracking via cost centers and deliver regular, insightful cost status reports to management.

2) Manage and oversee the company’s contract management system to track contract statuses. Ensure effective monitoring of guarantees, sureties, bonds, insurances, warranties and other contractual certificates and compliance.

3) Lead cost analysis for past projects and maintain cost databanks for future cost modeling. Utilize historical data to improve cost forecasting and project financial planning. Contribute financial efficiency audits and optimize cost effectiveness.

4) Supervise and support the preparation of tenders, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and other procurement documents as necessary. Lead the evaluation and recommendation of tenders or proposals with relevant stakeholders. Establish commercial evaluation criteria and drive rationalization of rates and pricing.

5) Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks associated with projects, including claims and contractual disputes. Develop and draft contractual correspondence and implement risk response strategies. Maintain claims and dispute registers while overseeing cost‑related risk management throughout the project life cycle.

6) Oversee and coordinate the processing of payment applications from contractors or vendors, including preparing payment certificates and tracking payment status. Ensure smooth coordination of payment processes with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and maintaining optimal cash flow.

7) Project Coordination

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and finance teams to align cost and contract strategies with project timelines.

• Provide commercial and contractual advice during project execution.
• Support the project close‑out process, including final account settlement and contractual closure.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, relevant laws, and regulatory requirements (including Malaysian contract law and renewable energy guidelines).

MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Formal Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field
• Related professional certification in quantity surveying/cost and contract management discipline local or international bodies is considered as advantageous.

Skills / Knowledge/ Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management and contract administration, with a substantial portion spent on large‑scale construction or energy/infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in leading project cost control, budgeting and contract management initiatives. Strong knowledge of construction contract frameworks, with familiarity in standard forms such as FIDIC, PWD/CIDB (Malaysia) and JKR forms. Specific expertise in Design & Build, EPCC and O&M contract structures is essential.
• Expertise in cost estimation, tender evaluation, financial reporting and the administration of variation orders and claims.
• Strong analytical, financial analysis skills, negotiation and problem‑solving skills with the ability to drive strategic decision‑making.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication abilities to collaborate effectively across departments (Project Management, Engineering, Finance, Legal) and with external stakeholders (Authority bodies, Consultants, Contractors).
• Proficient in relevant software including advanced MS Excel, project management tools, and cost management systems.
• Experience in planning budgets, ensuring cost‑effective operations and optimizing financial performance against project baselines.

Working Conditions

• Site‑based role with frequent interaction with contractors and field teams.
• Extended working hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
• Strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations.