Senior Cost Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor — Data Centres

Singapore | Highly competitive salary - package negotiable depending on experience

Permanent | Regional APAC portfolio | Leadership opportunity

Take ownership of cost management across a regional data centre programme.

DARA People is partnering with Gleave Partnership to appoint an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor in Singapore.

The role will support a major international data centre programme across the APAC region, working directly with client stakeholders and Gleave's senior cost management team.

The end client and programme remain confidential at this stage, but this is a significant opportunity for someone who wants more than a conventional project QS position.

You will have genuine responsibility for regional cost delivery, the freedom to make recommendations and challenge assumptions, and the opportunity to help shape how the cost management service develops as the team grows.

Previous data centre experience is advantageous, but it is not essential. Strong consultancy or client-side cost management experience, sound commercial judgement and confidence advising clients are the priorities.

Why consider the move

This role should appeal to an established Senior QS / Senior Cost Manager who enjoys the technical side of cost management but is ready for greater ownership, visibility and influence.

You will:

Take responsibility for cost management across multiple projects and workstreams.
Work directly with client stakeholders across the region.
Influence budgets, procurement decisions, reporting and commercial strategy.
Contribute to the development of regional cost-management processes and working practices.
Share knowledge and support less experienced colleagues.
Have the opportunity to move towards broader team and regional leadership as the operation develops.

You will also remain connected to experienced international colleagues and specialist resources within Gleave when required.

What you'll be responsible for

Your involvement will span the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility through design, procurement, construction and closeout.

Typical responsibilities will include:

Preparing feasibility estimates, budgets and detailed cost plans.
Advising on design options, value engineering and cost risk.
Preparing and reviewing tender documentation.
Analysing contractor submissions and providing commercial recommendations.
Managing changes, variations and contractor claims.
Producing accurate cost reports and forecast-final-cost information.
Preparing and maintaining project cash-flow forecasts.
Monitoring budgets, contingencies and cost movements.
Advising client stakeholders on commercial risks and decisions.
Managing several projects or cost workstreams concurrently.
Supporting final accounts and project closeout.
Helping improve reporting, tools and cost-management processes across the regional team.

What we're looking for

You are likely to be an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor, Senior Cost Manager, Lead QS or Associate-level cost professional with a strong consultancy, PMC, developer or client-side background.

You should be able to demonstrate:

Strong pre- and post-contract cost management experience.
Independent responsibility for projects or major cost workstreams.
Strong estimating and cost-planning capability.
Cost reporting, forecasting and cash-flow experience.
Tender analysis, procurement and commercial recommendation experience.
Variation, change-management and final-account capability.
Confidence dealing directly with clients and senior project stakeholders.
Broad construction knowledge across civil, structural, architectural and building-services packages.
Experience managing several projects or workstreams without losing accuracy or responsiveness.
Knowledge of the Singapore and/or wider APAC construction market.

MRICS, MSISV or equivalent professional chartership is preferred. Strong candidates actively progressing towards chartership will also be considered.

Experience in data centres, advanced manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, major infrastructure or other technically complex projects would be advantageous.

Data centre experience is not a prerequisite.

If you have strong cost-management fundamentals but have not previously worked in the data centre sector, that should not prevent you from applying.

Gleave is particularly interested in people who can ask the right questions, investigate unfamiliar issues, apply sound cost-management principles and give clients clear, practical advice.

Package and practical details

Package negotiable depending on experience, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate.
Permanent, full-time position based in Singapore.
Regional exposure with limited travel according to project requirements.
Target start: Q1 2027.
Reasonable notice periods can be accommodated.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are encouraged to apply, but they are not the only candidates who will be considered.

Candidates currently holding a Singapore Employment Pass or other professional work pass, as well as strong candidates who may require sponsorship or relocation, can also be considered subject to eligibility and approval.

Ready for a broader role

If you are looking for an opportunity that combines hands-on cost management with regional responsibility, client exposure and a genuine route towards broader leadership, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

Apply with your CV or contact DARA People for a confidential discussion.

Client and programme details will be shared with suitable candidates during the recruitment process.

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