Who We Are
Space Matrix is a leading Workplace Design and Build consultancy that specializes in creating innovative, sustainable, and human-centric work environments. SMG aims to revolutionise the interior design industry by pioneering DesignTech and offering innovative interior design and building design solutions that cater to the workplace, hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors.Established in 2001 and headquartered in Singapore, we have a strong presence across APAC and beyond, we have more than 600 employees across 16 offices. We are a proud Great Place to Work certified company 7 years in a row.Please visit www.spacematrix.com to learn more.
About The Role
We are seeking an accomplished and strategic
Head of Cost Management
to lead our cost and commercial function across interior fit-out and D&B projects. This senior leadership role requires a deep understanding of cost planning, MEP, design strategy, and procurement to ensure profitable, high-quality project delivery. The ideal candidate combines technical depth with commercial acumen, team leadership, and a consultative mindset to engage with internal and external stakeholders.
What Makes The Role Successful
Strategic Leadership
- Set and execute comprehensive cost strategies that support business growth, ensure competitive pricing, and promote value-led design solutions.
- Translate client briefs and conceptual designs into accurate cost plans, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and Value Engineering (VE) options, derived from first principles, including MEP.
Commercial & Profitability Ownership
- Drive project profitability through rigorous cost planning, meticulous value engineering, and ongoing commercial control throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead cost-based selling initiatives, equipping front-end teams with compelling, data-backed narratives to support sales efforts.
Governance & Accuracy
- Own and oversee the maker-checker framework to ensure that all estimates, rate cards, and cost data are thoroughly validated, auditable, and adhere to internal standards.
- Champion the adoption and effective use of digital costing tools, dashboards, and analytics to improve the speed, accuracy, and transparency of cost management processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with the Design, Delivery, and Procurement teams to embed cost intelligence and considerations at every stage of the project.
- Oversee vendor rate benchmarking and guide strategic sourcing decisions in collaboration with the procurement department.
Team Building & Mentoring
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of cost managers, Quantity Surveying (QS) professionals, and cost analysts.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team, focusing on process optimization and technology adoption.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary cost and commercial subject-matter expert in client pitches, presentations, and negotiations, providing expert insights.
- Provide clear, transparent reporting to senior leadership on cost performance, project profitability, and potential financial risks.
What Are We Looking For
- Experience: Minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in cost management within the commercial interiors and design & build (D&B) industry, with proven end-to-end BOQ preparation and MEP costing expertise.
- Leadership: Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing, multi-city teams and establishing robust governance structures.
- Commercial Acumen: A strong track record of driving project profitability, successful cost-led selling, and providing client-facing advisory on commercial matters.
- Digital Fluency: Proficient with various costing and estimation software, advanced Excel functions, cost reporting dashboards, and leveraging data for informed decision-making.
- Stakeholder Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence design, sales, and procurement decisions effectively, including at the C-suite level.
- Mindset: Innovative, collaborative, and comfortable championing new technologies and evolving ways of working within a dynamic environment.
