Cost Manager

We are looking to add a dynamic and motivated Cost Manager (Civil, Structural & Architectural) to our growing team in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

About the role

We are looking to add a dynamic and motivated Cost Manager (Civil, Structural & Architectural) to our growing team in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for all project phases, from feasibility studies to detailed design, using appropriate cost data and methodologies. Analyse cost data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop and manage cost plans, establish cost baselines, monitor project expenditures, forecast costs, and implement cost control measures to ensure projects remain within budget.
• Lead value engineering exercises, identifying and implementing cost-effective solutions while maintaining or enhancing project functionality, quality, and sustainability.
• Prepare regular cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and expenditure projections for clients and internal stakeholders, providing clear and concise insights into project financial performance.
• Conduct benchmarking studies to compare project costs against industry data and comparable projects. Identify cost drivers and implement strategies for cost optimization.
• Prepare tender documentation, including bills of quantities, specifications, contract conditions, and other pre-contract documents.
• Administer construction contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions. Manage variations, assess contractor claims, and resolve contractual disputes.
• Evaluate contractor payment applications, recommend advance, interim, and final payments, and manage the payment certification process.
• Evaluate and negotiate contractor claims, ensuring fair and equitable settlements.
• Prepare and agree final accounts with contractors, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Provide expert advice on contractual matters, including contract interpretation, risk assessment, and dispute resolution.
• Advise on procurement strategies, vendor selection, and contract negotiation.
• Prepare cost proposals and consultancy agreements for consultancy services.
• Conduct cost audits to ensure compliance with contractual terms and cost control procedures.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience as a Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with ideally 2+ years working in the Middle East.
• Must have experience on a variety of large-scale and complex developments - residential, hospitality, retail, infrastructure etc.
• Should have extensive experience working with blue-chip UAE developers such as EMAAR, Nakheel, Dubai Holdings, DMCC, ITHRA, Aldar, Modon, Miral etc.
• Must have a demonstrable ability to thrive in client-facing roles. The Cost Manager should have the professional poise and confidence to present and build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of CostX or another prominent measurement software.
• Demonstrable understanding of the UAE supply chain and extensive knowledge of regional material suppliers.
• Must have high-level analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and evaluate cost data effectively.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and teamwork skills.
• The ability to write clear and precise reports and to relate complex information in a simple way.
• MUST have a UAE driving license and their own vehicle.

Qualifications & Training

• University degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or another RICS accredited course.
• Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

Company Industry

• Construction
• Civil Engineering

Department / Functional Area

• Finance
• Treasury

Keywords

• Cost Manager