Head of Project and Engineering

Job Overview:

The Head of Project and Engineering will oversee the successful delivery of engineering projects across Singapore and West Malaysia while ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives set by the company's headquarters in China. This position is responsible for leading the engineering teams, managing project execution, and maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and cost-efficiency. The role requires frequent coordination and reporting back to China, ensuring that project progress, challenges, and achievements are communicated effectively to the senior leadership team in China. The candidate will be expected to navigate a cross-cultural business environment and ensure that local projects meet the company's global standards and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management:

• Lead the management and execution of engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery, within budget, and in compliance with scope and quality standards.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensure adherence to project goals and schedules.
• Regularly report on project progress, milestones, risks, and financial performance to the senior management team in China.
• Manage risks and resolve issues that may impact project timelines, costs, or quality, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ensure that all project deliverables meet client specifications and regulatory requirements in both Singapore and Malaysia.

2. Engineering Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams across Singapore and West Malaysia, ensuring high levels of technical competence and operational excellence.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure adherence to engineering best practices and the efficient application of engineering methodologies.
• Champion innovation in engineering solutions, encouraging continuous improvement in design, project execution, and problem-solving.
• Align engineering initiatives with the company's strategic objectives and ensure projects support broader business goals.

3. Reporting & Communication:

• Frequently report back to the senior leadership team in China, providing detailed updates on project status, challenges, successes, and financial performance.
• Present key project metrics, including progress against timelines, budget adherence, and quality performance, to ensure alignment with China's overall business strategy.
• Act as the primary point of contact for China-based leadership to ensure smooth communication regarding project goals, strategies, and execution.
• Facilitate cross-regional collaboration and ensure that both local teams and China's headquarters are aligned on strategic priorities, project requirements, and deadlines.

4. Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary contact for clients and external stakeholders in both Singapore and West Malaysia, ensuring the highest level of service and relationship management.
• Negotiate contracts, manage expectations, and ensure that client needs are met in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to understand requirements and ensure project success.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders to support business development and long-term partnerships.

5. Budgeting, Cost Control & Risk Management:

• Oversee the preparation and management of project budgets and forecasts, ensuring cost control measures are effectively implemented.
• Monitor and control project costs, track financial performance, and provide reports to both local and China-based management.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, including potential cost overruns, delays, or quality issues, through proactive risk management practices.
• Ensure compliance with local and international safety and regulatory standards.

6. Team Development & Training:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and development within the engineering and project teams.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching to enhance team skills and capabilities.
• Ensure that team members receive ongoing training in the latest engineering techniques, project management methodologies, and safety standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field). A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects in Singapore and West Malaysia.
• In-depth knowledge of local regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements in Singapore and Malaysia.
• Strong track record of managing large-scale projects within the construction, engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese (both spoken and written) is highly preferred for effective communication with senior management in China.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED, or other relevant engineering qualifications are preferred.
• Ability to travel frequently between Singapore, West Malaysia, and China to support project activities and reporting needs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Exceptional project management skills, with a focus on delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Highly developed communication and reporting skills to manage cross-functional relationships and ensure alignment with China-based leadership.
• Expertise in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting for large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a solutions-oriented approach to project challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment and navigate between local project needs and global business objectives.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and engineering design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).