(MEP) Cost Manager - Data Centre

Turner & Townsend; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in Malaysia is seeking a seasoned MEP Cost Manager to lead cost and commercial management for large-scale data centre projects. You will control budgets, advise on design-stage costs, and coordinate with engineering and procurement teams to optimise value across complex MEP systems.

The role emphasizes rigorous cost reporting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement with clients and contractors to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• MRICS or equivalent certification 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.

Responsibilities

• Cost planning, budgeting, and estimating for MEP systems on data centre projects.
• Prepare tender documentation for MEP trade packages and manage tender processes.
• Handle variations, change control, and cost adjustments post-contract.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts, and cash flow analyses.
• Coordinate with engineering teams on data centre MEP systems (power, cooling, fire protection, cabling).
• Engage with clients, consultants, contractors, and vendors to manage commercial aspects.
• Identify and mitigate cost risks, ensure governance and contract compliance.

Skills

Cost management

MEP systems

Stakeholder management

Analytical reporting

Communication skills

Data centre experience

Project cost control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying/Cost Management/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related discipline

MRICS or equivalent

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

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

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

Cost Planning & Budget Management

• 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.

Procurement & Tender Management

• Prepare tender documentation for MEP trade packages (e.g., electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection).
• Manage tender processes, including tender analysis, evaluation, and recommendations.
• Support procurement strategies for complex and fast‑track data centre delivery.

Post‑Contract Cost Management

• 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.

Cost Reporting & Financial Control

• 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.

Technical Coordination (MEP Systems)

• 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.

Stakeholder Management

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

Risk & Governance

• 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.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

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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.