Deputy General Manager

Role Summary:

As the Deputy General Manager, you will lead and oversee the end-to-end Engineering & Design function, including Quantity Surveyors to support the General Manager in delivering innovative construction and design across the company's projects. This senior level is ideal for someone with 20 years in construction, especially in high-end hotel and casino developments, who is fluent in Chinese and English.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead feasibility studies, due diligence, government liaison, permitting/licenses, design management, tender, contracts admin, procurement, cost control, project and program management, pre & post construction management.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to Engineering, Design, and Surveying teams.
• Assist in setting departmental objectives aligned with KBL's growth and project delivery goals.
• Collaborate with the GM to define and execute long-term engineering vision and standards.

Design & Engineering Management

• Develop and implement standardized design and construction modules adaptable to KBL's multi-national facilities.
• Drive innovation in sustainable design practices, effective construction methodology, and workflow optimization.
• Oversee engineering design deliverables, ensuring compliance with local and international codes and client requirements.
• Review and approve drawings, design calculations, and specifications for accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Quantity Surveying & Cost Control

• Lead Quantity Surveyors in preparing accurate cost estimates, tender documentation, and value engineering.
• Establish robust cost-control procedures to minimize budget variances while maintaining quality and safety.
• Conduct regular cost reviews and recommend corrective action to the General Manager.
• Provide support and technical guidance to the Surveying team, ensuring accurate site measurements, layout verifications, and alignment with engineering and design specifications.

Project Execution & Operations

• Define and oversee project execution plans, workflow processes, documentation control.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Procurement, Construction, QA/QC) to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Maximize site productivity through resource allocation, construction methodology improvements, and scheduling.
• Conduct routine site inspection, check design and construction drawings are in accordance with design specifications, witness testing & commissioning inspection handover certification of practical completion for contractors/vendors including defects liability period.
• Evaluate progress claims, variation orders, assess delays, extension of time & mitigate any disputes.

Quality, Safety & Sustainability

• Enforce quality assurance, health & safety, and environmental standards across sites.
• Integrate practical sustainable design and execution practices into engineering plans to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide weekly project updates and performance dashboards to the GM.
• Facilitate effective inter-departmental communication and stakeholder coordination.
• Represent engineering & design functions in key client and stakeholder meetings.

Team Development & Performance

• Mentor and coach engineering, design, surveying staff to improve technical skills and performance.
• Establish performance metrics, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives for the department.
• Develop design & construction handbook for build to suits facilities across Asia.
• Other ad hoc tasks to be assigned.

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional organizational, process improvement, and documentation control skills.
• Highly effective communicator in both verbal and written forms.
• Strong analytical mindset with emphasis on value-engineering and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction/Engineer/Architect and other relevant course; Post-Graduate is an advantage

License: Professional license is required.

Experience:

• Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership experience in construction, engineering design, project management, preferably within high-end hotel, casino, residential or large-scale industrial.

• Proven track record of implementing sustainable design and construction practices.

Language: Fluent in English & Chinese (Cantonese/Hokkien); Writing Chinese is an advantage but not required.

Open to both Philippine based professionals and expatriates with valid work status/eligible for visa sponsorship.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Opportunities for promotion
• Paid training
• Promotion to permanent employee

Work Location: In person