(MEP) Senior Cost Manager – Industrial & Advanced Manufacturing Projects

Turner & Townsend; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in Penang is seeking a Senior Cost Manager (MEP) to lead commercial and cost management for industrial and advanced manufacturing projects. You will oversee the full lifecycle of MEP cost management from early cost planning through construction and close-out, collaborating with clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, and project leadership to keep projects within budget.

The ideal candidate has 8–15 years in cost or quantity surveying, a relevant degree (MRICS is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying or related field.
• MRICS accreditation is advantageous.
• 8–15 years of experience in cost management, commercial management, or quantity surveying.
• Strong experience managing MEP packages within industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Experience in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, electronics, industrial, or data centre projects is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning, budgeting, and cost reporting for MEP packages.
• Oversee tendering, procurement, and contract award decisions.
• Manage commercial risks, variations, and final accounts.
• Collaborate with clients, engineers, and project teams to ensure budget adherence.
• Mentor Cost Managers and Assistant Cost Managers where required.

Skills

Cost management

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

MRICS

Job description

(MEP) Senior Cost Manager – Industrial & Advanced Manufacturing Projects

• Full-time

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 Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager (MEP) to lead the commercial and cost management of major industrial and advanced manufacturing projects.

This role will be responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of MEP cost management services, from early-stage cost planning and procurement through construction and project close‑out. The successful candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, and project leadership teams to ensure projects are delivered within budget while maintaining commercial excellence and project objectives.

The role is ideally suited to professionals with strong experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, utilities, and industrial building services systems within complex manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Cost Management

• Lead the preparation of feasibility estimates, concept budgets, cost plans, and cost forecasts for MEP packages.
• Develop and manage project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and cost reporting frameworks.
• Provide commercial and cost advice during design development and construction phases.
• Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives across MEP systems.
• Undertake cost benchmarking and market analysis for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
• Develop procurement strategies for major MEP trade packages.
• Lead the preparation and management of tender documentation and commercial deliverables.
• Conduct tender evaluations, commercial reviews, and contractor selection processes.
• Review supplier and contractor proposals to ensure commercial competitiveness and compliance with project requirements.
• Support contract negotiations and contract award recommendations.

Commercial Management

• Monitor project expenditure, commitments, and forecast costs throughout project delivery.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, financial forecasts, and commercial updates for key stakeholders.
• Identify commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Manage variations, change orders, and contractor claims.
• Review and certify progress payments and support final account negotiations.

Project Delivery Support

• Work closely with engineering, construction, and project management teams to maintain cost certainty and commercial control.
• Assess the commercial impact of design changes and scope adjustments.
• Ensure alignment between budget, schedule, procurement, and project objectives.
• Support project governance, reporting, and risk management processes.
• Contribute to project reviews and strategic decision‑making.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key commercial interface between clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Provide commercial leadership during project meetings and reviews.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Cost Managers and Assistant Cost Managers where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as MRICS,or equivalent is advantageous.
• 8–15 years of experience in cost management, commercial management, or quantity surveying.
• Strong experience managing MEP packages within industrial, manufacturing, or mission‑critical environments.
• Experience in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, electronics,industrial, or data centre projects is highly preferred.
• Previous experience within a cost consultancy or professional services environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex procurement and commercial management activities for high‑value MEP packages.
• Experience working in fast‑paced, technically complex project environments.

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.

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