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20 July 2023
The data centre sector has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation in recent years. Global internet traffic increased by 440% between 2015 and 2021 , and as the digital transformation of the global economy progresses, demand for data centers will continue to grow. Singapore has emerged as a major hub for facilities in Asia, attracting significant investment and job opportunities in the region.
Data centers have become an essential piece of infrastructure to businesses and organizations of all sizes. They are central to our digital world, powering the technologies and platforms that inform and influence our decisions, as well as our experiences. From streaming our favorite shows to enabling seamless communication across continents, data centers keep the world connected.
To design, build and operate these facilities, however, requires specialist professionals. So, what does it take to become part of a team that delivers the infrastructure that powers our digital future? One crucial role is that of a Cost Manager, who is responsible for managing, accurately reporting and optimizing costs through all stages of a data center project.
Several undergraduate and graduate educational paths in Singapore can lead to Cost Management roles in a data center, such as Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project and Facility Management, and various Engineering degrees. There are also Chartership pathways for further professional development in the areas of Cost Management, Project Management, Project Controls, Procurement and Supply Chain Management. There is even the opportunity to learn on the job with professional development programs, such as Linesight’s RICS-recognized Chartership Pathway. One of a number of pathways towards professional certification in a chosen discipline, this 24-month program includes a dynamic blend of on-the-job learning, formal training and mentorship, as employees work towards their Assessment of Professional Competency (APC).
Data centers are complex projects by nature and the exponential growth of demand in this sector typically infers tight design and construction program timelines. While technical proficiencies are undoubtedly important, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of soft skills (also known as ‘power skills’ or ‘core skills’) in this field. As a Cost Manager, strong problem-solving skills are fundamental for navigating the complexities of cost estimation and management associated with data center projects. Effective communication is, of course, essential to work and collaborate as part of a team, potentially across different time zones and with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, attention to detail, critical thinking and time management skills are also paramount, especially because even the smallest oversight can have significant financial implications. Lastly, a commitment to ongoing learning, ambition and an open mind are qualities that will set candidates apart in this sector, while other transferable skills, such as risk management and stakeholder engagement, can easily be honed and applied in the data center context.
From a graduate level to a more senior Cost Manager position, the age-old adage rings true, that a typical day in the data center sector doesn’t really exist! The role is filled with diverse tasks and responsibilities, that are wide-ranging and require employing a range of skills to execute. As a graduate, you'll have the opportunity to learn the ropes and gain hands-on experience by supporting Cost Management activities. As you progress, you'll assume greater responsibilities, including cost estimation, budgeting, negotiation, cash flow forecasting and risk analysis.
As a Cost Manager in a data center environment, it is essential to have a finger on the pulse with regards to the latest local and global industry developments, such as Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, and other sustainability goals and strategies. Whether it’s related to cooling technologies or building management systems for reduced energy consumption, Cost Managers must be ahead of the curve when it comes to innovative solutions and technologies that support and drive sustainable transformations.
For example, energy efficiency in data centers is critical, especially in a tropical climate like Singapore, which recently introduced a new standard [1] to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs in facilities. This is the type of announcement that a Cost Manager must be up to speed on - to quickly analyze the implications for their clients, assess potential cost impacts and factor in contingencies. Ultimately, a Cost Manager's role involves striking a balance between bringing in the latest technology to the facility and maintaining cost optimization, whilst promoting sustainability, and keeping clients at the forefront of energy-efficient and innovative practices in the dynamic data center sector.
The expanding market and increasing investment in the sector have created significant demand for skilled professionals. Moreover, the global mobility programs available to data center professionals offer opportunities to work on impactful projects around the world that expand one’s professional horizons and enhance one’s career trajectory.
Prospective job candidates can demonstrate their suitability for a role in the data center sector by showcasing a combination of technical skills, soft skills and a genuine passion for the field. A lack of data center experience should not be a deterrent, and experience and transferrable skillsets from similar sectors are warmly welcomed.
Those pursuing a data center career in Singapore have the opportunity to play a role in hugely impactful projects in a country that is not only the world’s leading business environment, but also the highest-scoring country in terms of technological readiness [2].
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