Associate Director, Cost

Want to be a part of Asia Pacific & Middle East's (APME) largest, most innovative, and rapidly growing data centre company?

AirTrunk is a technology company with a powerful purpose - to scale and sustain the relentless growth of the region’s digital future. We do this by continuously redefining and delivering hyperscale data centres that meet the needs of our customers - the world’s most transformational companies. And we’re doing so sustainably, for today and tomorrow.

Having opened Australia’s first and largest hyperscale data centres in 2017, we set our eyes on rapid expansion and now operate a platform of hyperscale data centres across the APME region. With backing from our investors, including Blackstone, this is just the beginning…

Come join the A-Team at AirTrunk, where the cloud meets the ground.

A Snapshot As the Associate Director - Cost Management based in Mumbai, reporting to the Associate Vice President (Cost) and working closely with the wider Development team, you will play a key role in the delivery and continuous improvement of AirTrunk’s Construction Cost Management programme across the region.

• Lead commercial strategy across large-scale hyperscale data centre developments, influencing key commercial, contractual and risk decisions across a rapidly growing regional platform.
• Shape and strengthen commercial frameworks, governance and best practice, including the implementation and continuous improvement of AirTrunk’s Construction Cost Management strategy.
• Oversee construction cost control, procurement and commercial management across multiple projects and sites, working closely with internal stakeholders, cost control teams and external QS consultants throughout the project lifecycle.

Your Day to Day

• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely and commercially robust construction cost intelligence to support strategic decision-making across AirTrunk’s regional development programme.
• Oversee pre-contract cost planning, estimating and benchmarking across all data centre components, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and ELV systems, applying strong cross-disciplinary commercial and technical judgement.
• Lead Value Engineering and cost/function optimisation processes from design inception through to project close-out, challenging design solutions and scope assumptions to drive best-value outcomes.
• Provide senior commercial input to design reviews, procurement strategy and contractor engagement, ensuring cost, risk, scope and programme considerations are appropriately tested and reflected.
• Lead and support Construction and Procurement teams through contractor procurement and award processes, including tender strategy, documentation review, tender analysis and commercial negotiation.
• Oversee post-tender interviews and bid levelling processes to identify the most complete, compliant and commercially competitive submissions, including detailed review of scope gaps, rates, exclusions, qualifications and omissions.
• Prepare and review tender evaluation reports and award recommendations, ensuring clear commercial rationale, appropriate governance and alignment with project and business objectives.
• Provide ongoing cost management support throughout the construction phase, including estimate updates, claim reviews and Value Engineering initiatives
• Manage QS consultant engagement throughout the project lifecycle, including invoicing, payment processing, KPI monitoring and performance reviews
• Prepare and maintain a standard Schedule of Rates (SOR) for Civil, Interior, Owner Supplied Equipment (OSE), and MEP low-side items. The rate card shall be derived from historical project data and rationalized against current inflation indices.
• Prepare and maintain commercial risk register, provide early warnings on cost escalations (due to change in geo-political scenarios, LME prices, etc.), and incorporate risk impacts into budgets[AC1.1]
• Prepare formal and ad hoc reporting for various management stakeholders across the AirTrunk group

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Electrical / Mechanical / Instrumentation Engineering [AC2.1]or a related discipline
• Minimum 12 years’ experience in construction cost management, quantity surveying or commercial management roles
• Proven track record delivering high-value construction (preferably Data Center) projects across multiple jurisdictions and procurement environments, with strong commercial acumen across cost management, procurement and financial reporting
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to distil complex information into clear, concise and executive-level reporting and presentations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, tender evaluations and stakeholder presentations
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams, work autonomously, manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively across multiple geographies in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, adaptable and accountable, with the ability to operate effectively within a dynamic and evolving business environment
  The AirTrunk Culture

Working at AirTrunk is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fast-track your career and amplify your impact. Whilst you’re helping scale our region’s digital future, we’ll help you Grow@Hyperscale and unleash your full potential.

The pace in which we operate means you’ll feel an electric atmosphere at AirTrunk. We are a team of challengers and collaborative problem solvers who break new ground every day. We do this by living our values, going above and beyond, and being dynamic, transparent, and responsive.

Every AirTrunker brings their own unique background and diverse perspective to find solutions to problems that matter. We make sure you have everything you need to make your mark and thrive in a flexible and safe working environment, where everyone feels welcome. Our benefits empower AirTrunkers to stay positively charged.

Now’s your chance to Grow@Hyperscale.

**To all recruitment agencies: AirTrunk does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, AirTrunk employees or any other organisation location. AirTrunk is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.**