Head - Cost & Contracts

IOI Properties Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development firm in Singapore seeks a highly experienced Cost & Contracts Manager to lead its department. The successful candidate will have at least 15 years in commercial management, with significant leadership experience in large-scale developments. Strong negotiation skills and a solid understanding of the contracts lifecycle are essential. This role demands high integrity and the ability to drive compliance while building a high-performing team.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the Cost & Contracts department and set strategies.
• Ensure compliance with governance and audit requirements.
• Administer contracts including payments and variations.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Procurement strategy

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Building, Construction Management

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.