Head - Cost & Contracts

IOI Properties (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development firm is seeking a Cost & Contracts Manager in Singapore. This pivotal role involves leading the Cost & Contracts department, defining procurement strategies, and overseeing the tender lifecycle. Candidates must have at least 15 years of experience in commercial management with relevant leadership experience. The position emphasizes skilled negotiation and strong stakeholder management to drive project success. Ideal for seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of the construction industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in cost & contracts/commercial management.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role for large-scale developments.
• RICS, SISV, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Cost & Contracts department, setting strategies and policies.
• Define procurement strategies and oversee the tender lifecycle.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team.

Skills

Commercial negotiation

Procurement strategy

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Leadership

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Lead the Cost & Contracts department, setting strategies, policies, and systems (e-tendering, document control, benchmarking).
• Ensure full compliance with Delegation of Authority, governance, and audit requirements.
• Establish best practices in claims management, variation/change control, and dispute resolution.

Procurement & Tendering

• Define procurement strategies including packaging, tender models, and contract forms.
• Oversee the tender lifecycle: prequalification, bid issuance, evaluation, negotiation, award, and onboarding.
• Drive responsible procurement standards (ESG, safety, sustainability, local content).

Cost Planning & Pre-Contract Controls

• Manage cost planning from feasibility to contract sum, including cash-flow forecasts, escalation indices, and contingencies.
• Enforce design-to-budget discipline through value engineering exercises with consultants.
• Approve tender documentation (BoQs, specifications, drawings, contract conditions).

Post-Contract Administration

• Administer SIA, REDAS, and bespoke contracts, including payments, EOT/LD assessments, variations, and final accounts.
• Co-lead change control processes, ensuring timely approval and reporting of variations.
• Maintain robust audit trails and documentation.

Risk & Reporting

• Maintain a commercial cost risk register and mitigation strategies.
• Deliver monthly dashboards on cost status, contingency, claims, and settlements.
• Conduct stage-gate reviews at key project milestones.

People & Stakeholder Management

• Build and mentor a high-performing team (QS, Contracts Managers, Document Controllers).
• Partner with internal teams (Design, Development, Finance, Legal, Operations) to align cost strategies.
• Manage supplier and contractor performance reviews and long-term vendor relationships.

Requirements

• At least a Degree in Quantity Surveying, Building, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in cost & contracts/commercial management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role for large-scale Singapore developments (developer experience required).
• RICS, SISV, or equivalent preferred; training in contract/claims management advantageous.
• Mastery of cost & contracts lifecycle (feasibility, procurement, claims, final accounts).
• Strong commercial negotiation and procurement strategy skills.
• Advanced financial acumen and analytics.
• Effective stakeholder management at senior levels.
• High integrity, resilience, and ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.