Manager, Cost & Contract Management (Data Centre)

Singapore Telecommunications Limited; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Nxera is seeking a seasoned Senior Cost Manager to lead regional cost planning and control for APAC data centre developments. You will shape procurement strategies, benchmarks, and reporting and partner with project leaders to optimize cost/risk across complex builds.

You will mentor cost teams, conduct forecasting for modular designs, and drive robust change management processes while traveling to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in cost and contracts management.
• Regional exposure within data centre or large-scale infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional cost planning and control strategies across multiple data centre developments.
• Support regional development build costs.
• Establish cost benchmarks, KPIs and reporting frameworks.
• Collaborate with Regional Project Directors on procurement strategies.
• Provide cost and commercial insights to senior leadership.
• Lead cost modelling and forecasting for modular designs.
• Oversee change management to track quotations and claims.
• Travel 25-30% to project sites.

Skills

Cost management

Contract management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data centre projects

Financial forecasting

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline

Tools

Excel

Cost databases

Microsoft Office

ERP/BI tools

Job description

Passionate about making a real impact? Join our team at Nxera to unfold the new era! Be at the forefront of the data centre (DC) industry with a unique focus on sustainability, connectivity and AI which sets us apart as the next generation DC operator. You will also get to gain invaluable experience in a fast-growing industry that is powering the digitalisation wave. Be empowered to co-create the future with our dynamic teams!

Make an Impact by:

• Support and report to Senior Cost Manager in developing and implementing regional cost planning and control strategies across multiple data centre developments
• Require the role to support regional development build costs.
• Establish and maintain cost benchmarks, KPIs and reporting frameworks to support informed business decisions
• Contribute to business development, feasibility studies, business case evaluation and future regional data centre development opportunities.
• Collaborate with Regional Project Directors to develop procurement and contracting strategies aligned with local market conditions.
• Act as the primary cost management advisor to senior leadership, providing cost & commercial insights, identify risks, opportunities, and overall financial spending across the project portfolio.
• Drive consistency in commercial governance, reporting standards, and cost management practices, being a presenter during the forums across regional projects.
• Partner with Finance and PMO teams on cash flow forecasting, budget management, accruals, and executive reporting.
• Partner with legal to provide drafting and documentation for LOA and construction contract drafting (e.g., EPC, design and build, construction management) to optimize cost and risk allocation.
• Support contract negotiations and commercial terms review for major trade packages including general contractors, MEPF systems, modular infrastructure, and specialist trades.
• Partner with Procurement and develop cost strategies for long leads equipment, modular system, liquid cooling systems, high-density infrastructure etc.
• Mentor and collaborate with local project Cost Managers and Quantity Surveyors, and cost consultants fostering knowledge sharing, monthly cost reporting and professional development in cost & contracts management best practice.
• Oversee complex procurement, cost modelling and forecasting for modular design and prefabricated systems used in data centre construction.
• Implement robust change management protocols to track, assess quotation / claims and mitigate cost impacts from design developments, change request, and market fluctuations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regional construction indexes, construction cost trends, labour rates, and material pricing.
• Lead cost benchmarking studies and provide analytic reports across APAC data centre markets for informed future project development planning.
• Provide resolutions for complex procurement, cost and contractual dispute with agility and strategic foresight.
• Escalate critical issues to executive leadership with appropriate recommendations and impact assessments.
• Ensure timely submission and assessment of vendor’s progress claim to support project cash flow and delivery goals .
• Ensure timely and accurate closure of final accounts across projects.
• Partner with PMO for project administration filing to support project audit process and governance.
• Lead forensic cost reviews and post-incident financial analysis when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Willing to travel as per project milestone (approximately 25% to 30% per month) to assigned project sites to perform duties.

Skills for Success:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in cost and contracts management, with at least 5 years regional exposure within data centre, mission-critical or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership in managing cost teams and consultants.
• Strong understanding of construction for structure, civil, architecture and MEP systems.
• Demonstrate ability to manage stakeholder across multiple countries and cultures.
• Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills and provide constructive feedbacks
• Strong analytical, commercial, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in cost management tools and Microsoft Office especially Excel; experience with regional cost databases, benchmarking and market intelligence.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment with positive outlook
• A collaborative team player with a growth mindset and passion for continuous improvement.