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.

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.

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.