Senior Quantity Surveyor

THINKSCAPE Design; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Thinkscape Design Group seeks a Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial and financial management across pre- and post-contract stages for interior fit-out and renovation projects in Malaysia. You will prepare cost plans, BQ, tender documents, and advise on contractual matters.

The role requires extensive experience with consultancy or PMC teams, proficiency in Excel and AutoCAD, and the ability to manage multiple projects to tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with consultancy firms or PMC teams.
• Experience in corporate office fit-out, commercial interior renovation or Design & Build projects.
• Strong experience in both pre-contract and post-contract quantity surveying.
• Understanding of interior fit-out, renovation, architectural and M&E works.
• Familiarity with Malaysian construction contract practices and standard forms (PAM).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD drawing interpretation.
• Strong numerical, analytical, negotiation and cost management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control the commercial and financial aspects of assigned projects across pre- and post-contract stages.
• Perform pre-contract quantity surveying tasks: cost planning, budget management, and prepare Bills of Quantities (BQ).
• Prepare tender documentation and conduct tender analysis and commercial evaluations.
• Administer contract and progress claims during post-contract stage; ensure compliance with terms.
• Review and negotiate variation orders, cost control measures and cost-to-complete reporting.
• Coordinate with internal design teams and external stakeholders to safeguard commercial interests.

Skills

Pre-contract experience with QS

Post-contract experience with QS

Interior fit-out experience

Renovation project experience

Drawing interpretation

Cost management

Negotiation skills

MS Excel

Education

Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Thinkscape, we create inspiring workplace and interior environments that transform how people work, collaborate, and experience space. We recognise that great design only succeeds when it is delivered within budget and on sound contractual terms.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Senior Quantity Surveyor shall be responsible for managing and controlling the commercial and financial aspects of assigned projects throughout the pre-contract and post-contract stages, ensuring cost accuracy, contractual compliance, effective budget management and timely financial close-out, while safeguarding the Client's commercial interests.

1. Pre-Contract Quantity Surveying

A. Cost Planning & Budget Management

• Prepare preliminary project cost estimates and feasibility budgets based on conceptual designs, layouts and project requirements.
• Develop detailed cost plans and elemental cost breakdowns.
• Prepare project budget estimates based on drawings, specifications, material selections and scope of works.
• Conduct cost benchmarking against market rates and historical project data.
• Provide cost advice and value engineering recommendations to achieve the Client's approved budget.
• Monitor design development and identify potential cost implications arising from design changes.
• Prepare cost comparisons for alternative materials, specifications and construction methods.
• Coordinate with Interior Designers, Architects and M&E Consultants to ensure designs remain within budget.

B. Bill of Quantities (BQ) Preparation

• Carry out detailed quantity take-offs from architectural and interior design.
• Prepare comprehensive Bills of Quantities (BQ) for tender and construction purposes.
• Develop detailed descriptions, specifications, units and quantities for individual work items.
• Prepare BQ covering demolition, architectural, interior fit-out, M&E, specialist works and associated construction activities.
• Review drawings and specifications to identify discrepancies, omissions and scope gaps.
• Ensure BQ accuracy, completeness and consistency with the tender drawings and specifications.
• Prepare revised BQ and cost estimates following design amendments.
• Prepare tender documentation, including BQ, pricing schedules, tender conditions and commercial requirements.
• Assist in preparing tender invitations and tender issuance packages.
• Coordinate with the project team on tender schedules, tender clarification and closing dates.
• Review contractors' tender submissions for completeness and compliance.
• Conduct detailed tender analysis and commercial evaluations.
• Prepare tender comparison tables, including itemised pricing, qualifications, exclusions and deviations.
• Identify abnormal rates, pricing discrepancies, omissions and potential commercial risks.
• Conduct tender clarification meetings and commercial negotiations with contractors.
• Evaluate alternative proposals and value engineering options submitted by tenderers.
• Prepare Tender Evaluation Reports and recommendations for contract award.
• Assist in preparing Letters of Award (LOA), contract sums and contractual schedules.

2. Post-Contract Quantity Surveying

A. Contract Administration

• Administer the commercial and contractual aspects of construction and renovation projects.
• Review and interpret contractual terms, conditions, scope of works and payment provisions.
• Ensure contractors comply with contractual requirements and commercial obligations.
• Maintain proper contract documentation, correspondence and records.
• Assist the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team in addressing contractual matters.
• Review contractual implications arising from design changes, site instructions and project variations.
• Provide advice on contractual entitlements, claims, disputes and cost-related matters.
• Assist in reviewing Extension of Time (EOT) submissions, particularly associated cost implications.
• Support the preparation of contractual notices and commercial correspondence.

B. Progress Claims & Payment Certification

• Review and evaluate contractors' monthly progress claims.
• Conduct site inspections and verify actual work progress against submitted claims.
• Check quantities, percentage completion, approved variations and supporting documentation.
• Verify claims against contractual rates, approved BQ and actual work executed.
• Assess materials-on-site claims where permitted under the contract.
• Prepare payment assessments and recommendations for certification.
• Assist in preparing Interim Payment Certificates / Certificates of Payment.
• Monitor cumulative payments against the approved contract sum.
• Track retention sums, advance payments, recoveries and other contractual deductions.
• Maintain accurate payment records and claim registers.

C. Variation Orders (VO) & Cost Control

• Review and assess contractors' Variation Order (VO) submissions.
• Verify the necessity, scope, quantities and rates of proposed variations.
• Evaluate VO pricing against contract rates, market rates and supporting quotations.
• Conduct rate analysis and negotiate reasonable pricing with contractors.
• Identify and assess cost implications arising from Client instructions and design amendments.
• Prepare VO assessment reports and recommendations for Client approval.
• Maintain and update VO registers, including approved, pending and rejected variations.
• Monitor cumulative VO values and their impact on the overall project budget.
• Ensure variation works are properly documented and supported by contractual instructions.
• Identify potential cost overruns and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

D. Project Cost Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor project expenditure against the approved budget and contract sum.
• Prepare periodic project cost reports and financial status updates.
• Maintain cost control registers, including contract sums, VOs, payments and forecast costs.
• Prepare cash flow projections and anticipated payment schedules.
• Monitor committed costs, outstanding claims and anticipated final costs.
• Identify potential financial risks, cost overruns and unbudgeted works.
• Prepare Cost-to-Complete and Forecast Final Account reports.
• Provide regular commercial and financial updates during project meetings.
• Coordinate with the PMC team to ensure cost management aligns with project progress.

3. Final Account & Project Close-Out

• Prepare, review and negotiate contractors' Final Account submissions.
• Verify final quantities, approved variations, omissions and contractual adjustments.
• Reconcile the original contract sum against the final executed works.
• Review outstanding claims and supporting documentation.
• Verify retention release eligibility in accordance with contractual provisions.
• Assist in the preparation of final payment recommendations and certification.
• Prepare Final Account Statements and financial reconciliation reports.
• Ensure all commercial and contractual matters are properly documented and closed.
• Maintain final cost records and historical project cost databases.
• Coordinate with Interior Designers, Architects, M&E Consultants, Engineers and Project Managers on cost-related matters.
• Attend project coordination, tender clarification and site progress meetings as required.
• Liaise with contractors and suppliers regarding quotations, claims, variations and commercial submissions.
• Provide commercial and contractual advice to the PMC and design teams.
• Review contractors' pricing proposals and provide recommendations to the Client.
• Assist in resolving discrepancies between drawings, specifications, BQ and site conditions.
• Ensure effective communication between the Client, consultants and contractors on commercial matters.

5. Commercial Risk & Contractual Compliance

• Identify commercial risks during pre-contract and post-contract stages.
• Review contractual provisions relating to Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD), Performance Bonds, retention, insurance and Defects Liability Period (DLP).
• Monitor contractual obligations and potential financial exposure.
• Assist in assessing contractor claims, EOT submissions, prolongation costs and loss-and-expense claims.
• Evaluate the financial implications of delays, disruptions and changes in scope.
• Ensure proper commercial governance, documentation and approval procedures.
• Support management in commercial negotiations and dispute resolution.

The Quantity Surveyor shall be responsible for preparing and maintaining the following deliverables:

• Preliminary Cost Estimates and Project Budget Reports.
• Detailed Cost Plans and Cost Breakdown Reports.
• BQ and Tender Pricing Schedules.
• Tender Analysis, Comparison and Evaluation Reports.
• Tender Clarification and Commercial Negotiation Records.
• Contract Sum and Commercial Documentation.
• Monthly Progress Claim Assessments and Payment Recommendations.
• VO Assessments and VO Registers.
• Monthly Project Cost Reports and Cash Flow Forecasts.
• Cost-to-Complete and Forecast Final Account Reports.
• Contractual Claims and Commercial Assessment Reports.
• Final Account Statements and Project Financial Close-Out Reports.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

1.Qualification & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience working with consultancy firms or PMC teams.
• Prior experience in corporate office fit-out, commercial interior renovation or Design & Build projects is highly preferred.
• Strong experience in both pre-contract and post-contract quantity surveying.
• Strong understanding of interior fit-out, renovation, architectural and M&E construction works.
• Ability to interpret architectural, interior design and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with Malaysian construction contract practices and standard forms of contract (include PAM).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD drawing interpretation.
• Strong numerical, analytical, negotiation and cost management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines.