Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager (Fit-out)

Turner & Townsend; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Cost Manager or Senior Cost Manager to join our Dubai team. You will manage project costs, budgets and financial performance for fit-out projects across all contract stages, collaborating with clients, stakeholders and contractors to ensure cost efficiency and alignment with project objectives.

The role covers pre-contract cost planning, tendering, post-contract applications and value engineering, with leadership responsibilities at senior level to

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
• MRICS or equivalent qualification preferred.
• 7+ years' cost management experience in fit-out/construction.
• Experience in UAE construction market is essential.
• Consultancy experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise in cost estimation, budgeting and financial analysis.
• Strong proficiency with CostX, ERP systems and Excel; BIM knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage pre-contract services including feasibility studies, cost planning, BOQs and tender docs.
• Develop, monitor and control budgets and cost estimates from inception to completion.
• Oversee procurement across various methods to optimise project costs.
• Administer contracts per standard forms (FIDIC preferred) and manage cost risks.
• Lead post-contract activities: interim claims, change management and valuations.
• Conduct cost reconciliation, variance analysis and financial forecasting.
• Prepare reports (Estimate, Cost, Procurement, Tender) for stakeholders.
• Communicate cost performance metrics to senior management.
• For Senior level: oversee multiple projects, mentor junior staff, provide strategic cost guidance.

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

MRICS or equivalent

Tools

CostX

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

BIM

Job description

Job description

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we're passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.

Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.

Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Cost Manager or Senior Cost Manager to join our organisation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this role, you will be responsible for managing project costs, budgets, and financial performance for fit-out projects throughout all contract stages. You will work closely with project teams, clients, stakeholders, and contractors to ensure cost efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with project objectives. This position offers the opportunity to leverage your expertise in pre-contract and post-contract cost management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Manage pre-contract services including feasibility studies, cost planning, Bills of Quantities preparation, and tender documentation
• Develop, monitor, and control project budgets and cost estimates from inception through completion, conducting detailed measurement and cost analysis
• Manage procurement processes across different procurement methods, including vendor quotations, supplier negotiations, and tender documentation to optimise project costs
• Administer contract procedures in accordance with standard form contracts (FIDIC preferred), ensuring cost compliance and identifying potential financial risks
• Manage post-contract services including interim applications, change management, variation valuations, and extension of time claims
• Conduct cost reconciliation, variance analysis, and financial forecasting to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions
• Prepare specialised reports including Estimate, Cost, Procurement, and Tender reports for project stakeholders and management
• Communicate cost performance metrics and financial updates to senior management and project teams with professional presentation skills
• For Senior Cost Manager level: Oversee multiple projects, mentor junior cost staff, and provide strategic cost management guidance

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar discipline
• MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or equivalent professional qualification is preferred
• Minimum 7 years' cost management experience in fit-out, interior design, or construction projects
• Prior experience working in the UAE construction market is essential
• Prior consultancy experience is strongly preferred
• Proven expertise in cost estimation, budgeting, and financial analysis
• Strong proficiency with cost management software (CostX preferred), ERP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Knowledge of BIM (Building Information Modelling) is preferred
• Solid understanding of fit-out project delivery, materials, and labour costs
• Experience with contract management and vendor/supplier negotiations
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication capabilities with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Experience with risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Leadership and team management experience (required for Senior level)

Additional Information

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employeesand actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us atwww.turnerandtownsend.com

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property ofTurner & Townsend and arenot subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team,to submit candidates for review.