(MEP) Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 244,101 - 325,468; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an MEP Cost Manager in Kuala Lumpur. This role involves managing costs and commercial aspects of MEP works on large data centre projects ensuring financial accuracy and value optimisation.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree, has 5–10 years’ experience in cost management, particularly in MEP systems, along with strong analytical skills. We promote a flexible working environment respecting work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in cost management with strong exposure to MEP systems.
• Experience on data centre, mission‑critical, or high‑tech industrial projects preferred.
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost estimates, cost plans, and budgets for MEP systems.
• Prepare tender documentation for MEP trade packages.
• Review contractor progress claims and payments.

Skills

Cost management

Strong analytical capability

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

MRICS or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The MEP Cost Manager is responsible for managing the cost and commercial aspects of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) works on a large‑scale data centre development. This role ensures cost control, financial accuracy, and value optimisation across complex MEP systems, supporting delivery within strict budget, schedule, and performance requirements typical of mission‑critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage cost estimates, cost plans, and budgets for MEP systems.
• Provide cost advice during design stages, including power, cooling, and building services systems.
• Track project costs and ensure alignment with approved budgets.

• Prepare tender documentation for MEP trade packages.
• Manage tender processes, including tender analysis, evaluation, and recommendations.
• Support procurement strategies for complex and fast‑track data centre delivery.

• Manage variations, change control, and cost adjustments.
• Review and certify contractor progress claims and interim payments.
• Maintain cost records and support final account close‑out.

• Prepare regular cost reports, forecasts, and cash flow analyses.
• Identify cost risks, trends, and mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with project financial controls and governance requirements.

• Work closely with engineering teams on critical data centre systems, including:
  • Power distribution (UPS, generators)
  • Cooling systems (chillers, CRAH/CRAC units)
  • Fire protection and detection
  • Structured cabling and infrastructure
• Ensure cost alignment with technical design and operational requirements.

• Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Support project meetings and provide commercial input.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination across project teams.

• Identify and manage cost and commercial risks in MEP scope.
• Ensure compliance with project standards, contracts, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and auditable cost documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional certification (e.g. MRICS or equivalent) is an advantage.
• 5–10 years’ experience in cost management with strong exposure to MEP systems.
• Experience on data centre, mission‑critical, or high‑tech industrial projects is highly preferred.
• Background in a cost consultancy or professional services environment is advantageous.
• Experience managing complex MEP packages and high‑value contracts.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and construction processes.
• Solid knowledge of cost management, procurement, and contract administration.
• Strong analytical and reporting capability.
• Effective stakeholder and communication skills.
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.

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.

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.