Director, Project Commercial Services

** Director, Data Centre Project Commercial Services

**Overview:**  

We are seeking a senior construction professional to direct all commercial and cost-related activities across a portfolio of major capital projects. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on project involvement, requiring a leader who can establish best-in-class practices while driving financial discipline and operational excellence.

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**Core Accountabilities:**

**Team Supervision & Capability Building**

- Guide and develop a multidisciplinary team of commercial professionals across multiple project sites.

- Define clear performance objectives and lead regular assessments to maintain delivery quality.

- Provide expert direction on technically complex or high-exposure assignments.

- Champion continuous learning and skills advancement within the commercial function.

- Oversee workforce planning to align resourcing with project demands.

**Commercial Framework & Governance**

- Establish consistent processes for cost forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

- Implement standardized methodologies for pricing, estimating, and change control.

- Direct all cost planning activities across the project portfolio.

- Validate and authorize cost plans, financial commitments, and contract variations.

- Lead initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize project value.

**Senior Management Reporting**

- Develop concise, insightful reports on financial performance, expenditure trends, and forecast accuracy.

- Present key findings, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

- Support investment evaluations, business case development, and profitability modelling.

- Ensure clear communication of financial status and emerging exposures at all organizational levels.

**Project Delivery & Quality Assurance**

- Assume direct commercial responsibility for marquee or technically demanding projects.

- Verify adherence to established financial protocols and governance requirements.

- Monitor performance metrics and initiate corrective actions where necessary.

- Ensure full compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of practice.

- Drive process enhancements and verify closure of audit findings.

**Cross-Functional Engagement**

- Partner with internal teams including Technical Design, Site Operations, Procurement, and Logistics.

- Manage relationships with external stakeholders including investors, regulatory bodies, contractors, and advisory firms.

- Collaborate with corporate finance teams on budgeting cycles, cash flow planning, and financial analysis.

- Liaise with regional and global counterparts to ensure consistency with international practices.

- Facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure successful practices are replicated across projects.

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**Candidate Profile:**

**Education & Experience**

- Professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Engineering, or related discipline.

- 15+ years in commercial and cost management roles, including at least five years in a senior leadership position.

- Extensive exposure to heavy industrial construction, large-scale civil infrastructure, or mission-critical facilities across Southeast Asia or the broader Asia-Pacific region.

**Technical Capabilities**

- Deep understanding of cost forecasting, financial control systems, and industry-standard methodologies.

- Proficient in evaluating budget estimates, performing cost reconciliations, and interpreting complex design documentation.

- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to extract insights from financial data and support strategic decisions.

- Comprehensive knowledge of contract law, procurement strategies, and commercial risk management.

- Meticulous approach to documentation, financial record-keeping, and reporting accuracy.

**Interpersonal & Leadership Attributes**

- Excellent communication skills in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia, both written and verbal.

- Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at executive and board levels.

- Culturally adaptable, with experience working in diverse, multinational environments.

- Capable of managing competing priorities and delivering under tight timeframes.

- Strong commercial judgment and strategic thinking.

- Experience with enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP) is beneficial.

- Membership in professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is desirable.

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