Estimating Manager - Interior Fitout / Joinery

NSR Associates; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

NSR Associates is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function for interior fit-out projects in the UAE. You will oversee tendering, develop cost plans, and coordinate with design, procurement and project teams to deliver competitive proposals.

You'll mentor the estimating team, review documentation, manage risk, and ensure accurate pricing across materials, labour, subcontractors and contingencies. A strong UAE market knowledge and leadership style are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in estimating and tendering within interior fit-out industry, UAE or GCC.
• Senior estimating role experience with complex interior fit-out tenders.
• Strong understanding of interior finishes, joinery, bespoke furniture, ceilings, partitions, flooring, MEP coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage estimating and tendering for interior fit-out projects from enquiry to submission.
• Review tender docs, drawings, BOQs and requirements to establish accurate cost estimates.
• Develop cost plans, budgets, and estimates covering materials, labour, subcontractors, preliminaries, logistics.
• Coordinate with design, procurement, commercial and project delivery teams for pricing.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier/subcontractor quotes, negotiate pricing, identify cost savings.
• Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions, qualifications, and value engineering proposals.
• Establish estimating standards, cost databases and pricing models for UAE market.
• Assess risks and include allowances/contingencies in estimates.
• Review tender submissions for accuracy, competitiveness and client requirements.
• Mentor and develop estimating team to meet deadlines and quality.
• Support commercial negotiations, tender presentations and handovers.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Tendering

Negotiation

Cost control

Microsoft Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

QS/CM/CE degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Measurement software

Job description

Job description

Our client is a well-established interior fit-out specialist in the UAE, delivering high-quality interior solutions across a range of commercial and bespoke projects. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead their estimating function, oversee tendering activities, and ensure the successful preparation of competitive and commercially viable project proposals.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded professional with strong technical knowledge of interior fit‑out, exceptional analytical skills, and proven experience managing estimating teams and complex tenders within the UAE market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating and tendering function for interior fit‑out projects from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Review tender documentation, architectural drawings, specifications, bills of quantities (BOQs), and project requirements to establish accurate cost estimates.
• Develop comprehensive cost plans, budgets, and detailed estimates covering materials, labour, subcontractors, preliminaries, logistics, and project‑specific requirements.
• Coordinate with design, procurement, commercial, and project delivery teams to ensure accurate pricing and effective tender submissions.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, negotiate pricing, and identify opportunities for cost optimisation without compromising quality.
• Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions, qualifications, value engineering proposals, and commercial recommendations.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, cost databases, benchmarking tools, and pricing models relevant to the UAE interior fit‑out market.
• Assess project risks, identify potential cost exposures, and ensure appropriate allowances and contingencies are incorporated into estimates.
• Review tender submissions to ensure accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and compliance with client requirements.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently achieved.
• Support commercial negotiations, tender presentations, and handover meetings with the operations and project management teams.
• Monitor market trends, material price fluctuations, and subcontractor rates to maintain a competitive commercial position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in estimating and tendering within the interior fit‑out industry, preferably in the UAE or wider GCC.
• Previous experience in a senior estimating role, with a proven track record of managing complex interior fit‑out tenders.
• Strong understanding of interior finishes, joinery, bespoke furniture, ceilings, partitions, flooring, MEP coordination, and associated fit‑out packages.
• Excellent knowledge of BOQ preparation, quantity take‑offs, cost analysis, and tender documentation.
• Demonstrable experience managing estimating teams and coordinating with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating, measurement, and construction software.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple tenders under tight deadlines.
• A thorough understanding of UAE construction practices, supplier networks, subcontractor markets, and regional pricing structures.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a proactive and commercially astute professional who combines technical estimating expertise with strong leadership capabilities. They will have a detailed understanding of the interior fit‑out market, the confidence to challenge costs and assumptions, and the ability to lead a high‑performing team while supporting the company's wider commercial objectives.