Cost Manager

The Company:

GDS is a leading developer and operator of high-performance Data Centers in Asia Pacific. Dual listed in NASDAQ and Hong Kong, GDS is the largest carrier-neutral Data Center service provider in Asia and one of the fastest growing in the world with a presence in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan.

GDS International is on an exciting trajectory, expanding markets internationally and looking for talented individuals who are passionate about growing with us. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to be at the forefront of our expansion efforts.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor to manage and oversee budgeting, cost control and contract administration for data center construction projects, particularly within the international or Asia-Pacific contexts. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to details and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global environment. The required expertise in this role is instrumental in maintaining financial discipline throughout the project life cycle, minimizes the risk of budget overruns, enhances overall project profitability and ensuring successful project delivery.

Responsibilities:

Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

• Development of accurate cost estimates for Data Center construction projects, considering factors such as materials, labour, equipment, subcontractor costs, and overhead expenses.
• Conduct quantity take-offs from project plans and specifications to determine quantities of materials required for construction activities.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders including Product, design, Construction, Procurement teams to review project plans, specifications, and scopes of work to ensure comprehensive cost coverage.
• Develop project budgets based on cost estimates, ensuring alignment with client requirements, project timelines, and profit margins.
• Monitor project budgets throughout the lifecycle of projects, identifying and addressing variances and deviations from planned costs.

Cost Analysis and Control:

• Support in establishing and maintaining cost standards/index for materials, labour, and overhead expenses.
• Monitor pricing performance and conduct pricing reviews to ensure alignment with overall business goals and financial objectives.
• Develop and implement robust cost control measures for project assigned to accurately track and manage project costs effectively without compromising quality and operational efficiency.
• Monitor and control project costs throughout the construction lifecycle, tracking expenses, analysing variations, and implementing appropriate measures to keep costs within approved budgets.
• Conduct regular cost variance analysis to identify areas of cost inefficiencies and opportunities for cost optimization to improve project profitability.
• Provide insights and recommendations to project teams on cost-related matters, including cost trends, cost drivers, and cost implications of project decisions.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost-saving initiatives, proposing alternative construction methods or materials without compromising project quality.
• Assess the impact of design changes and contract variations on project costs, preparing change orders and cost estimates accordingly.
• Prepare regular cost reports, including budget forecasts, cost variances, and cash flow projections, providing accurate and timely financial information to project stakeholders.
• potential cost risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize financial impacts on the project.
• Conduct periodic cost audits to ensure compliance with established cost control procedures, contract terms, and industry regulations.

Financial Planning and Forecasting:

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data related to construction projects, including revenue recognition, cost accruals, and project profitability.
• Collaborate with finance teams to integrate project cost data into financial reporting systems and models.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to costing and profitability
• Provide insights into project financial performance, highlighting key drivers, risks, and opportunities for improvement

Contract Administration:

• Monitor and manage contract performance to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of contract.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to resolve contract related issues.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of construction contract terms.
• Assist in the development and implementation of contract administration related procedures and policies.
• Handle contractual claims, disputes and negotiations related to contract changes or issues.
• Liaise with legal counsel to ensure all contractual matters are addressed and resolved effectively.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement:

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance costing accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Support in identifying opportunities to streamline processes, automate tasks, and leverage technology solutions to optimize costing practices.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends in cost accounting and pricing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies related to project costing, accounting practices, financial reporting and contract administration.

Requirements:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management/Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in cost control, quantity surveying, or project control within the industrial, construction or data center sector.
• Experience with international or Asia-Pacific projects.
• Strong knowledge of cost control principles, techniques, and methodologies, with a proven track record of managing construction/industrial project costs effectively.
• Proficiency in performing quantity takeoffs, preparing detailed cost estimates, and conducting cost analysis.
• Solid understanding of construction materials, methods, and processes, with the ability to interpret project plans and specifications accurately.
• Experience working with industry-standard cost estimating software and tools (e.g., CostX, RSMeans, Primavera, Excel) to perform accurate cost calculations and produce detailed reports.
• Excellent financial analysis skills, including the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide insights for decision-making.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with project teams, contractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in cost calculations, reports, and documentation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a face-paced environment.
• Having experience in SAP will be advantageous.
• Professional certification (e.g., RICS) is a plus.

Forecasting, Sap, Compliance, Continuous Improvement, Financial Analysis, Quantity Surveying, Cost Estimation, Contract Administration, Cost Control, Budgeting, Financial Planning, Project Control, Excel, Cost Analysis, Primavera