Metro Cost Lead

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We foster a culture built on a growth mindset, innovation, respect, integrity, accountability, and inclusion, where employees are empowered to collaborate and make meaningful impact. Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind Microsoft’s cloud platform. Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft's cloud and AI infrastructure. CO+I is responsible for the end-to-end datacenter lifecycle, from planning, acquisition, design, construction, and deployment through day-to-day operations. CO+I's mission is to lead the industry by delivering and operating the most reliable, trusted, and innovative cloud infrastructure, rapidly enabling customer growth.

Within CO+I, the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering the datacenter infrastructure that powers Microsoft’s global cloud services, managing the diverse portfolio of complex, large-scale datacenter construction projects across multiple regions, supporting the continuous growth of Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

We are seeking a passionate, high-energy professional to help deliver the infrastructure that supports the world's largest cloud and AI platforms while contributing to a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This is a field-based role located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with relocation support where applicable, and the successful candidate shall reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the assigned project location. The role is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements. While primarily supporting projects in Johor Bahru, additional support may be required across other locations and projects within the region as business needs evolve.

Responsibilities

Metro Cost Lead reports to the EPC Sub-Regional Cost Lead and is responsible for supporting the commercial management and cost control of data center construction projects within the assigned metro. The role provides estimating, procurement, cost reporting, change management, and commercial administration support throughout the project lifecycle. Working closely with Data Center Delivery (DCD), Data Center Engineering (DCE), Global Construction Management (GCM), Global Supply Chain (GSC), Finance, contractors, consultants, and other key stakeholders, the Metro Cost Lead helps ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets while maintaining commercial governance, financial accountability, and reporting standards. This role provides an opportunity for an emerging commercial leader to gain exposure across multiple projects within a metro portfolio and further develop expertise in estimating, contracting, cost management, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement.

Cost Planning & Estimating

• Lead development and validation of project estimates throughout planning and design phases.
• Review and validate feasibility studies, business cases, value engineering proposals, benchmarking analyses, and funding requests.
• Develop scenario-based cost models to support investment decisions.
• Provide commercial support for site selection activities through comparative cost assessments and constructability reviews.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Partner with GSC/GCM team in the development and execution of procurement strategies.
• Lead commercial negotiations with General Contractors, consultants, equipment vendors, and key suppliers.
• Review and approve contract commercial terms, scope alignment, pricing structures, and risk allocations.

Cost Management & Controls

• Lead metro-level cost management activities, including budget monitoring, forecasting, commitments and cost reporting
• Review and approve pay applications, invoices, change orders, professional service requests, purchase requests, and other commercial transactions.
• Ensure timely and accurate forecasting of project costs, cash flow requirements, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) reporting.
• Support preparation of funding requests and executive approval documentation.

Change Management

• Lead commercial evaluation and negotiation of change orders and claims.
• Establish governance processes that ensure commercial changes are properly assessed, approved, and documented.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while protecting schedule and quality requirements.
• Support dispute resolution and commercial negotiations when required.

Risk Management

• Identify commercial risks that may impact project outcomes.
• Support mitigation strategies and risk estimate

Program Reporting

• Lead monthly commercial reviews and executive reporting to communicate the commercial health of the Metro portfolio
• Provide insights into budget performance, forecast accuracy, risks, procurement status, and change management activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project Controls, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost management, commercial management, quantity surveying, or construction project controls.
• 7+ years managing commercial functions on large-scale construction projects.
• Shall have knowledge of and perform to the following industry standards and practices: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or equivalent.
• Experience managing commercial aspects of large-scale construction projects, including budgeting, forecasting, pay applications, change orders, and contract administration.
• Experience working with General Contractors, consultants, and project teams throughout project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracting strategies, procurement methodologies, and commercial risk management

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cost management, commercial management, quantity surveying, or construction project controls.
• 10+ years managing commercial functions in mission critical projects such as Data center, Semi-conductor, high-tech, or industrial 
• RICS, AIQS, SISV, PICQS, or equivalent professional qualification (eg: MRICS or FRICS)
• Excellent communication skills, experience collaborating with all other areas of the datacenter program with an ability to think strategically and build the trust of our construction partners needed to agree very large construction contracts and final accounts

Background Check Requirements: 

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: 

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

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This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.