Associate Cost Manager

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) seeks an Associate Cost Manager to oversee commercial aspects of residential projects in Dubai. You will manage hard and soft costs, contracts, and budgets, ensuring alignment with client requirements and project timelines.

The role involves risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and close collaboration with design teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver on budget and on schedule. Requires strong cost management and negotiation skills in UAE.

Qualifications

• Experience in pre and post contract in residential projects in UAE.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field.
• RICS qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for residential projects.
• Conduct value engineering analyses and cost optimization recommendations.
• Review drawings for cost implications and maintain cost databases.

Skills

Cost management software

MS Office

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Quantity Surveying or Construction Management degree

RICS qualification preferred

Tools

Cost management software

MS Office

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Position Overview: The Associate Cost Manager oversees the commercial aspects of a residential project, ensuring effective management of hard and soft costs, contracts, and budgets reporting directly to the client. This role is responsible for effect commercial management, mitigating risk, and assuring contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The Commercial Manager works closely with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver projects successfully—on budget, on time, and in accordance with legal and company requirements.

What this job involves

• Precontract RR Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for development projects from initial feasibility through design phases
• Conduct value engineering analysis and provide cost optimization recommendations
• Review and analyze architectural and engineering drawings for cost implications
• Develop and maintain cost databases and benchmarking data for various project types
• Prepare feasibility studies and investment appraisals for proposed developments
• Coordinate with design teams to ensure cost targets are achievable within project parameters
• Conduct market analysis for construction costs, materials, and labor rates
• Prepare monthly cost reports and forecasts for project stakeholders
• Manage cost managers project team
• Post Contract RR Manage tender processes including preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis
• Assist client negotiate contract value, assist team to compile contract documents and review completeness of them
• Knowledge of construction contracts in accordance with standard forms (FIDIC red book)
• Manage change control procedures and assess cost impact of scope changes
• Process and evaluate contractor payment applications and variation orders
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and validate payment claims
• Liaise with project team to ensure accurate project reporting
• Support client in handling dispute resolution and claims management throughout construction phase
• Ensure compliance with contract specifications and delivery requirements
• Coordinate final account settlements and project close-out procedures
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and cost control records

Desired skills and experience

• Experience in pre and post contract in residential projects in UAE.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field.
• RICS qualification preferred
• Minimum 10 years consultancy experience with minimum 5 years in UAE
• Other skills and experience should include:
  • Proficiency in cost management software’s and MS Office suite
  • Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills

Location: On-site –Dubai, ARE

Job Tags: Build to Rent Real Estate Management, Construction Industry Knowledge, Consulting Industry Knowledge, Cost Analysis, Data Center Real Estate Management, Data Centre Industry Knowledge, Life Sciences Industry Knowledge, Major Renovation Fit-Out Project Delivery, Mixed-Use Development Real Estate Management, Project Accounting, Project Bidding, Project Billing, Project Finances, Real Estate Industry Knowledge

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [e-mail].