Lead Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Lead Cost Manager to head comprehensive cost management across major capital programmes, serving as a strategic partner to clients and stakeholders. You will drive commercial excellence, manage complex cost-control initiatives, and mentor a high-performing cost management team throughout the project lifecycle.

This senior role requires expertise in cost planning, estimating, and governance, with strong leadership and client-facing

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Cost Consultancy and Quantity Surveying.
• MRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Substantial UAE/GCC experience, including exposure to complex and high-value capital projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in both pre-contract and post-contract cost management across the full project lifecycle.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing cost management teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a cost management team whilst serving as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement cost planning, estimating, and cost control strategies for complex construction projects.
• Monitor project budgets, track financial performance, and prepare forecasts and cost analyses.
• Coordinate with general contractors, owner representatives, and external stakeholders to integrate cost management services.
• Develop strategic plans aligned with organizational goals, including risk mitigation and KPIs.
• Provide strategic advice on contracting, procurement strategy, and capital planning; participate in BD activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements where applicable.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Analytical mindset

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline

MRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation in quantity surveying or cost management

Job description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. Please visit our website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Cost Manager to join our team in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In this pivotal role, you will lead comprehensive cost management services on significant capital construction programs, serving as a strategic partner to clients and stakeholders. You will drive commercial excellence, manage complex cost control initiatives, and mentor a high-performing cost management team throughout the entire project lifecycle. This is an exceptional opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who combines analytical rigor with collaborative leadership and a commitment to delivering innovative solutions.

• Lead and mentor a cost management team whilst serving as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders, maintaining transparent communication and building strong collaborative relationships throughout the project lifecycle
• Develop and implement comprehensive cost planning, estimating, and cost control strategies for complex construction projects, including quantity surveying assessments, change control processes, and contract administration
• Monitor project budgets, track financial performance, and prepare accurate forecasts, margin reports, and detailed cost analysis to support informed decision-making
• Coordinate with general contractors, owner representatives, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of cost management services within the broader construction process
• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals, incorporating risk mitigation strategies, business management systems, and key performance indicators
• Provide strategic advice on contracting, procurement strategy, and capital planning whilst participating in business development activities, proposal development, and RFP responses
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and SOX responsibilities where applicable

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Cost Consultancy and Quantity Surveying, preferably within a consultancy environment
• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline
• MRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation in quantity surveying or cost management
• Substantial UAE/GCC experience, including exposure to complex and high-value capital projects
• Demonstrated expertise in both pre-contract and post-contract cost management across the full project lifecycle

Comprehensive capabilities in:

• Cost planning and estimating
• Benchmarking and value engineering
• Procurement and tendering strategy
• Cost reporting and commercial management
• Variation and change management
• Claims and final account negotiations
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing cost management teams
• Strong client-facing skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships
• Extensive experience preparing and presenting proposals, fee submissions, and RFP responses
• Commercial acumen with the ability to identify business opportunities and contribute to business development and account growth initiatives
• Advanced proficiency in financial management, budget forecasting, and margin analysis
• Demonstrated expertise in risk management, mitigation strategies, and contingency planning
• Strong knowledge of business management systems, project controls methodologies, and delivery frameworks
• Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

Leadership & Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and people-management skills with the ability to coach, delegate, and support professional development
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilities
• Proactive, accountable, and client-focused approach
• Sound commercial judgment and strong problem-solving capabilities
• Confidence in managing challenging stakeholders and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
• Strategic thinking and business acumen with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic project environments
• Commitment to inclusive leadership and fostering a collaborative, supportive team culture

Additional Information

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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 of Turner & Townsend and are not 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.

Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects:

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Instagram

LinkedIn