Head - Cost & Contracts

MULTI WEALTH (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Singapore is looking for an experienced Head of Cost & Contracts to lead the department, oversee procurement strategies, and manage large-scale projects. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience in the construction industry and strong leadership skills. The ideal candidate will drive compliance and enable best practices in cost management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years' experience in cost & contracts/commercial management.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role for large-scale Singapore developments.
• Strong mastery of cost & contracts lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Cost & Contracts department, setting strategies and policies.
• Manage cost planning and pre-contract controls.
• Oversee the tender lifecycle and administer contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Procurement strategy

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.