Assistant Manager, Quantity Surveyor

Job Description:

1. Project Cost Management:

• Lead preparation and review of project budgets, detailed cost plans, feasibility studies, and CAPEX forecasts for new outlets, major revamps, and refurbishment works.
• Oversee cost benchmarking and standardisation across retail rollout projects to improve cost predictability and scalability.
• Monitor overall project financial performance, including cost variance analysis, forecasting, and budget utilisation tracking.
• Implement cost control mechanisms to minimise overruns and protect margin integrity.
• Review and approve progress claims, variation orders, and final accounts prior to management endorsement.
• Provide commercial insights and financial risk assessments to Management for decision-making.
• Validate project progress with Project In-Charge to ensure accurate cost certification and financial reporting.

2. Contract Administration:

• Lead drafting, reviewing, and administering standard form contracts, Letters of Award (LOA), consultancy agreements, and work orders.
• Ensure all contractual documents align with corporate governance policies, approval matrices, and legal requirements.
• Manage variation, extension of time (EOT), and claims assessment in accordance with contract provisions.
• Provide contractual interpretation and advisory support to Project, Operations, and Management teams.
• Oversee systematic contract documentation, registers, and compliance tracking.
• Lead tender documentation preparation, commercial evaluation, and recommendation reports.

3. Commercial Strategy & Negotiation:

• Lead commercial negotiations with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to achieve best value outcomes.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives through value engineering and strategic sourcing.
• Resolve commercial disputes, discrepancies, and contractual issues proactively.
• Act as the key commercial liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Provide strategic recommendations on procurement models and contract structuring.

4. Procurement Leadership:

• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes including tender strategy, pre-qualification, bid analysis, and contract award.
• Ensure procurement activities align with approved CAPEX budgets and project timelines.
• Review and endorse comparative tender analysis and commercial recommendation papers.
• Lead vendor performance evaluation and cost benchmarking initiatives.
• Strengthen vendor database and ensure proper onboarding compliance.
• Monitor PR/PO processes to ensure financial governance and audit readiness.

5. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate financial, contractual, and operational risks across projects.
• Ensure compliance with internal audit standards, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead periodic contract and cost audits to safeguard commercial integrity.
• Develop and improve cost control policies, SOPs, and reporting frameworks.
• Provide commercial risk reports to Management where necessary.

6. Financial Reporting & Management Oversight:

• Prepare and present consolidated cost reports, project financial dashboards, and CAPEX utilisation summaries to Management.
• Monitor retention sums, outstanding payments, accruals, and financial exposure across projects.
• Ensure timely certification of progress claims and accurate financial forecasting.
• Coordinate closely with Finance on cash flow planning and payment prioritisation.

7. Retail Rollout & Expansion Support:

• Lead cost planning for multi-outlet rollout strategies nationwide.
• Establish cost benchmarks and historical data analysis to support expansion forecasting.
• Support feasibility assessments for new locations from a commercial and CAPEX standpoint.
• Provide cost modelling for design evolution and format enhancements.

8. Team Leadership & Capability Development:

• Supervise and guide junior QS team members in cost management and contract administration tasks.
• Review and validate documentation prepared by team members.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting systems and cost tracking templates.
• Mentor team members and support professional development initiatives.

9. Data Management & Cost Control Systems:

• Oversee maintenance of cost trackers, contract registers, and financial control systems.
• Implement structured cost reporting formats for consistency across projects.
• Drive digitalisation and process improvements within QS operations where applicable.

10. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Collaborate closely with Project, Operations, Leasing, Legal, Finance, and Senior Management teams.
• Engage with landlords, mall management, and authorities on commercial and cost-related matters where required.
• Represent the QS function in internal project meetings and management reviews.

Requirement

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 57 years of relevant working experience in retail fit-out, commercial construction, or multi-site project environments.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, cost control systems, tendering processes, and financial reporting.
• Proven experience in managing multiple fast-track projects concurrently.
• Strong negotiation and commercial decision-making skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage tight rollout timelines.