Exhibitions & Events Quantity Surveyor & Cost Estimator

buildup; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Build Up is seeking a qualified Quantity Surveyor / Cost Estimator in Dubai to lead RFP/tender reviews, BOQ preparation, and cost optimization for exhibition stands and events. The role requires strong commercial acumen, vendor negotiation, and end-to-end cost management of turnkey fit-out projects in a fast-paced exhibition environment.

Experience in exhibition design & build companies and event production is highly preferred. UAE/GCC experience is required, with Arabic as an added advantage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Quantity Surveying within exhibition stands & events.
• Hands-on experience in exhibition stands and event production essential.
• Strong ability to prepare BOQs, cost estimates, tender pricing and supplier pricing.
• Understanding of event technology and activations is a plus.
• Arabic language is an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret RFPs, tender documents, technical specifications, drawings, designs, and client requirements.
• Prepare accurate and comprehensive BOQs, cost estimates, tender pricing, and commercial submissions.
• Ensure costing is fully aligned with the design, technical proposal, scope of work, and client requirements.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Design, Technical, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Identify scope gaps and discrepancies and raise appropriate RFIs and clarifications.
• Ensure complete commercial and technical coverage before tender submission.
• Develop value-engineering and cost-optimization solutions while maintaining design intent and quality.
• Source suitable suppliers and subcontractors and obtain competitive quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and scope with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Benchmark material, production, fabrication, AV, technology, and subcontractor costs.
• Support tender strategy and commercial decision-making.
• Upon project award, prepare and issue accurate Direct Cost (DC) sheets and cost breakdowns to the Operations team.
• Ensure proper handover of all costing assumptions, supplier quotations, scope details, and commercial information to the project delivery team.

Skills

Quantity Surveying

Cost Estimation

Exhibition Stands

Tendering

BOQ Preparation

Supplier Pricing

Value Engineering

Negotiation

UAE/GCC Experience

Turnkey Fit-out

Job description

Build Up is seeking a qualified Quantity Surveyor / Cost Estimator in Dubai to lead RFP/tender reviews, BOQ preparation, and cost optimization for exhibition stands and events. The role requires strong commercial acumen, vendor negotiation, and end-to-end cost management of turnkey fit-out projects in a fast-paced exhibition environment.

Experience in exhibition design & build companies and event production is highly preferred. UAE/GCC experience is required, with Arabic as an added advantage.