MEP Senior Cost Manager (Industrial/Science Sector)

Turner & Townsend Sdn Bhd; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent project management firm in Penang seeks a Senior Cost Manager to lead cost management services for construction projects. The role includes overseeing project compliance, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring cost control objectives are met. Candidates should possess significant experience in cost management, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. A collaborative environment and professional integrity are essentials for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in cost management or construction projects.
• Experience in people management is a plus.
• Native-level and Business-level proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of cost management services for construction projects.
• Build productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and control project costs and compliance.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Business acumen

Client management

Proficiency in Cost-X or equivalent

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Cost-X

Job description

Job Description

Role Overview

As a Senior Cost Manager in Cost Management, you will be responsible for leading the execution of cost management services for construction projects, ensuring cost control and quality objectives are met. You are expected to lead cost management project teams and/or key cost management roles, and coordinate with clients and stakeholders and foster a collaborative and high‑performing project environment. This role also includes commission management responsibilities overseeing invoicing processes and project compliance through D‑365 to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold the highest level of professional integrity and business ethics.
• Contribute to a positive team culture by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and shared accountability.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a proactive attitude in team interactions.
• Motivate team members, and drive towards positive client outcomes and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Assist in onboarding new team members and helping them integrate into project workflows.
• Assist in conducting interviews for vacant positions in line with the team’s recruitment process and resource requirements.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams including clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Build productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders through consistent follow‑up and responsiveness.
• Support conflict resolution and issue management by escalating appropriately and offering practical solutions.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all stakeholders through structured meetings, reporting, and documentation.
• Critically analyze, challenge and brainstorm project requirements and cost deliverables, in order to find creative solutions and alternatives on behalf of clients.
• Collaborate in developing robust cost reporting structures and control mechanisms.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Act as Commission Manager, taking responsibility for end‑to‑end service delivery, often with respect to large or complex commissions or multiple commissions.
• Manage estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final revisions of cost plans.
• Lead the production of monthly post‑contract cost reports and presenting them to the client.
• Lead value engineering and life‑cycle costing exercise.
• Implement and maintain cost controls mechanisms incorporated into projects’ schedule, cost, risk, and change management.

Financial and Risk Management

• Lead commercial negotiations and contract administration on projects alongside the cost management team.
• Responsible for supporting the internal risk management procedures and systems, including client care processes and the contract database.
• Review and validate invoice data for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with finance teams to ensure timely submission and approval.
• Track invoice status and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with client billing requirements and internal financial controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in cost management or construction projects (e.g., cost manager, construction manager, procurement, project manager, vendor, consultant etc.).
• Strong communication and leadership skills; experience in people management is a plus.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to drive outcomes on behalf of clients and coordinate with construction and design teams to meet deadlines and deliverables.
• Experience in client management with solid experience in a client‑facing environment that requires the incumbent to utilise critical business development skills and advisory skills to enhance project delivery on value management, value engineering, and life‑cycle costing.
• Native‑level and Business‑level proficiency in English.
• Proficiency in Cost‑X or equivalent cost estimation software.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in large‑scale high‑tech / industrial / manufacturing projects will be highly considered.
• Registered with Board of Surveyor, member of RISM and RICS or Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying.
• Experience from consultancy background, well versed in civil, structure, and architecture (CSA) or mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP).

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.