Senior Commercial Manager (Data Centre)

Sentinel Project Management Sdn Bhd; Iskandar Puteri; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical benefits

Insurance coverage

Performance-based bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Sentinel Project Management Sdn. Bhd. seeks a Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial management of data centre projects in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

You will report to the Commercial Director and steer procurement strategy, cost reporting and contract administration across the project lifecycle. You will work with client leadership to set commercial strategy, manage cost risk, and deliver within the approved budget, while developing the project commercial team and ensuring best practices

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline with professional registration preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in quantity surveying, contracts or commercial management, including 5 years leading teams.
• Experience on data centre projects is mandatory for the role.
• Knowledge of PAM, PWD/JKR, FIDIC and AS 4000 contracts and CIPAA adjudication.

Responsibilities

• Set the project commercial strategy and governance in line with client objectives.
• Develop procurement and contracting strategies including early contractor involvement.
• Review tenders, negotiate terms and ensure procurement compliance.
• Oversee cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow and budget protection.
• Lead contract administration, variations, claims and final account close-out.
• Manage the commercial team and report performance to the Commercial Director.

Skills

English fluency

Excel proficiency

Negotiation

Leadership

Cost reporting

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS accreditation (preferred)

Tools

Procore

Aconex

Job description

Sentinel Project Management Sdn. Bhd. is a specialist project management consultancy delivering complex, mission-critical developments across Malaysia. Our experienced team provides end-to-end project management, construction management, commercial management, commissioning management, planning and project controls, and operational readiness services, with a strong focus on data centre infrastructure. Backed by industry professionals who have successfully delivered some of the region's most technically demanding projects, we are committed to providing certainty, technical excellence, and collaborative partnerships that help our clients achieve successful project outcomes.

Why Join Sentinel?

At Sentinel, you’re not just joining another company — you’re joining a growing specialist consultancy where your work is visible, your contribution matters, and you have the opportunity to grow with us.

Grow With Us — Be part of an expanding consultancy and take on bigger opportunities and responsibilities as we grow.

Work on Exciting Projects — Gain exposure to complex, mission-critical developments, including some of Malaysia’s most exciting data centre projects.

Build Your Career — Develop your expertise alongside experienced industry professionals with opportunities for learning, progression and career growth.

Comprehensive Medical Benefits — Enjoy outpatient and hospitalisation coverage designed to support you when you need it.

Insurance Protection — Company-provided insurance coverage for greater peace of mind.

Performance Rewards — Be recognised for your contribution through performance-based bonus opportunities.

Open & Transparent Culture - We encourage honest conversations, welcome ideas and feedback, and believe good communication should happen across all levels - not just behind closed doors.

Recognition That Matters — We celebrate great work and the people behind it through our employee recognition programmes.

About the Role

Sentinel Project Management is looking for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial management of data centre projects in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Relevant commercial management experience on data centre projects is required.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will lead the project commercial team and take responsibility for procurement, cost reporting, contract administration and commercial administration throughout the project lifecycle, from procurement strategy through to final account settlement.

As the client’s senior commercial adviser within our Project Management Consultancy (PMC) scope, you will work closely with the Project Director and the client’s leadership to set the commercial strategy, manage cost and contractual risks, and support delivery within the approved budget.

Key Responsibilities

Set the project’s commercial strategy, priorities and controls in line with the client’s objectives and governance requirements.

Develop the procurement and contracting strategy with the client, including work packaging, early contractor involvement, fast-track procurement and direct purchases of long-lead equipment.

Review tender evaluations and award recommendations, lead key commercial negotiations and ensure compliance with the client’s procurement and approval procedures.

Oversee monthly cost reporting and forecasting, including forecast final cost, cash flow, contingency and variances. Present the cost position and recommend actions to manage risks and protect the approved budget.

Oversee contract administration and review major variations, claims, extensions of time, liquidated damages and payment recommendations.

Lead the resolution of significant claims and disputes, support formal dispute resolution where required, and lead final account negotiations and commercial close-out.

Ensure bonds, guarantees, insurance, warranties and commercial records are properly managed, and oversee compliance with applicable statutory and tax requirements.

Lead and develop the project commercial team, plan resourcing and report commercial performance and risks to the Commercial Director.

Support the Commercial Director in managing Sentinel’s scope of appointment and fees, and contribute to fee proposals and improvements to commercial procedures.

Requirements

Degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. Professional registration or membership with BQSM or RISM, or MRICS accreditation, is preferred.

Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in quantity surveying, contracts or commercial management, including at least 5 years leading commercial teams on major projects.

Relevant commercial management experience on data centre projects is mandatory.

Client-side, PMC or quantity surveying consultancy experience is preferred. Candidates with relevant General Contractor (GC) or main contractor experience are also welcome to apply.

Expert knowledge of standard and bespoke forms of contract, such as PAM, PWD/JKR, FIDIC and AS 4000, with experience in procurement strategy, claims and dispute resolution, including CIPAA adjudication.

Proven track record in project cost reporting, forecasting and managing delivery within approved budgets.

Working knowledge of SST, withholding tax, stamp duty and CIDB requirements applicable to construction contracts.

Strong commercial judgement, negotiation and team leadership skills, with the ability to present recommendations to senior client stakeholders.

Fluency in written and spoken English and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Experience with platforms such as Procore or Aconex is an advantage.

Able to work in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, and travel to project sites and client offices as required.

Sentinel Project Management Sdn. Bhd. is a specialist project management consultancy delivering complex, mission-critical developments across Malaysia, with a strong focus on data centre infrastructure. Our expertise spans project and construction management, commercial management, commissioning, planning and project controls, and operational readiness.

At Sentinel, our people are central to our success. We offer competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical and insurance coverage, performance-based bonuses and other employee benefits. As a growing consultancy, we provide opportunities to build your expertise, take on greater responsibilities and grow alongside the business.

Sentinel Project Management Sdn. Bhd. is a specialist project management consultancy delivering complex, mission-critical developments across Malaysia, with a strong focus on data centre infrastructure. Our expertise spans project and construction management, commercial management, commissioning, planning and project controls, and operational readiness.

At Sentinel, our people are central to our success. We offer competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical and insurance coverage, performance-based bonuses and other employee benefits. As a growing consultancy, we provide opportunities to build your expertise, take on greater responsibilities and grow alongside the business.