Cost Manager - Project Cost Control

Job Summary

Position Overview

The Cost Manager will own end-to-end cost management for assigned projects - budgeting, cost control, value engineering, and process standardization - working closely with project, design, procurement, and finance teams to keep projects within approved budgets and drive continuous improvement in the cost management function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead construction cost planning, estimation and budgeting for real estate projects from concept to completion.
• Prepare and review BOQs, quantity estimates, rate analysis and detailed construction cost estimates.
• Develop and maintain project cost plans, element-wise budgets and construction cost benchmarks.
• Monitor actual costs, commitments and forecasts against approved budgets, identify variances and control cost overruns.
• Prepare Cost-to-Complete (CTC), cost forecasts and management cost reports.
• Evaluate cost impact of design changes, variations, additional works and scope changes.
• Drive value engineering and cost optimisation while maintaining project quality and specifications.
• Review tender estimates, contractor quotations, rate comparisons and commercial proposals.
• Coordinate with Design, Projects, Procurement, Contracts and Finance teams for effective cost management.
• Maintain construction cost databases, historical rates and project benchmarks to improve budgeting and estimation accuracy.
• Ensure budget allocation, cost data integrity and WBS mapping in SAP and support project cost audits.

Skills Competencies

• Strong grounding in cost estimation, budgeting, cost control, and value engineering.
• Working knowledge of SAP (PS/MM), AutoCAD, and advanced MS.
• Proficiency in BOQ preparation, rate analysis, quantity take-offs, and tender documentation.
• Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and communication/negotiation skills; process-improvement mindset.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor in Civil Engineering.
• 10-14 years' experience in project cost management (Real estate preferred).
• NICMAR/RICS/MBA or SAP certification is an added advantage.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Reports to: HOD - Project Management Office
• Works closely with project managers, design,