Arada | Quantity Surveyor (Pre-Contract)

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Arada is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor based in Dubai to lead pre-contract activities for high-value development projects. You will manage cost planning, tendering, and contracting to protect budgets and programme, working with design and project teams to optimise value.

The role requires 8+ years in QS, UAE/GCC real estate experience, and solid knowledge of FIDIC forms, tender processes and cost control. A professional demeanour and strong negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of quantity surveying experience, with a strong focus on pre-contract and tendering.
• Experience on real estate development projects in the UAE/GCC, preferably on the developer/client side.

Responsibilities

• Use quantity surveying skills to manage the tender process so that packages are procured within the approved budget and without impacting project timelines.
• Prepare and validate pre-tender estimates against the cost plan; flag budget risks and variances early to the Commercial Manager.
• Negotiate with bidders to secure best value for Arada, and identify value engineering opportunities where tenders exceed budget.
• Consultancy packages: review scope, prepare the RFP and pricing schedule, and evaluate proposals
• Construction packages: review tender documents, Bills of Quantities and pre-tender estimates, and prepare and issue the ITT.
• Prepare tender comparisons, and manage qualifications and exclusions through the post-tender clarification process.

Skills

Strong negotiation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering

Tools

FIDIC contracts

POMI/NRM methods

Job description

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose

Manages the pre-contract commercial process for Arada's development projects, from cost planning and tendering through to contract award, ensuring that consultancy and construction packages are procured in line with company policy and procedure, best industry practice, the approved project budget and the project programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Use quantity surveying skills to manage the tender process so that packages are procured within the approved budget and without impacting project timelines.
• Prepare and validate pre-tender estimates against the cost plan; flag budget risks and variances early to the Commercial Manager.
• Negotiate with bidders to secure best value for Arada, and identify value engineering opportunities where tenders exceed budget.
• Consultancy packages: review scope, prepare the Request for Proposal (RFP) and pricing schedule, and evaluate proposals
• Construction packages: review tender documents, Bills of Quantities and pre-tender estimates, and prepare and issue the Invitation to Tender (ITT).
• Manage tender queries and issue tender addenda.
• Prepare tender comparisons, and manage qualifications and exclusions through the post-tender clarification process.
• Prepare tender recommendation reports for management approval.
• Prepare contract documents and coordinate with the Legal department to finalise and execute contracts.
• Hand over awarded packages to the Post Contract team with complete tender and contract records.
• Maintain procurement records and respond to internal and external audits
• Packages include, but are not limited to, MEP, aluminium & glazing, joinery, fit-out, equipment supply and finishes material supply.
• Build and maintain working relationships with consultants, contractors and suppliers, and develop the approved bidder list for each package type.
• Work collaboratively with Design and Projects teams to align scope, budget and programme before tenders are issued.
• Communicate and report daily on tender status and procurement progress to the Commercial Manager.
• Maintain a cost and rates database from awarded tenders to support benchmarking and future estimates.
• Identify and propose improvements to tendering processes, templates and procedures

What You'll Bring

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or a related discipline. RICS membership is an advantage.

Experience

• 8+ years of quantity surveying experience, with a strong focus on pre-contract and tendering.
• Experience on real estate development projects in the UAE/GCC, preferably on the developer/client side.

Skill

• Knowledge of building materials and construction methods.
• Knowledge of market rates and suppliers/subcontractors in the UAE.
• Working knowledge of standard forms of contract (e.g. FIDIC) and methods of measurement (e.g. POMI, NRM)
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to analyse and present numerical data in tables, spreadsheets and reports.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.