Lead Cost Manager

Sccsinternational; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner and Townsend in Abu Dhabi is recruiting a Lead Cost Manager to head cost management services on large capital construction programmes. The role requires leading a cost management team and serving as the client’s primary contact through the project lifecycle.

You will handle cost planning, estimating, cost control strategy, budgeting, forecasts, and cost analysis, with duties spanning pre- and post-contract management, procurement strategy, and contribution to proposals.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of progressive experience in cost consultancy and quantity surveying.
• MRICS or equivalent accreditation preferred.
• Degree in quantity surveying, construction management, civil engineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning, estimating and cost control strategy for complex construction projects.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, margin reports and cost analyses.
• Oversee quantity surveying assessments and change control processes.
• Coordinate with general contractors and owner representatives throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide strategic advice on contracting, procurement strategy and capital planning.
• Mentor and manage a cost management team and act as client liaison.
• Support business development, proposals and RFP responses.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements.

Skills

Cost planning

Cost control

Value engineering

Procurement & tendering

Change management

Final accounts negotiations

Quantity surveying

Team leadership

Education

MRICS accreditation

Degree in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management / Civil Engineering

Job description

Turner and Townsend is recruiting a Lead Cost Manager in Abu Dhabi to head cost management services on large capital construction programmes, released on the employer's board on 4 September 2026. The holder leads and mentors a cost management team and is the client's primary point of contact through the project lifecycle.

The posting sets out the work as cost planning, estimating and cost control strategy for complex construction projects, including quantity surveying assessments, change control and contract administration; monitoring budgets and preparing forecasts, margin reports and cost analysis; coordinating with general contractors and owner representatives; and strategic advice on contracting, procurement strategy and capital planning, with a part in business development, proposals and RFP responses.

Compliance with internal controls, audit requirements and SOX responsibilities is listed where applicable. The employer asks for at least ten years of progressive experience in cost consultancy and quantity surveying, preferably in a consultancy, a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, civil engineering or a related discipline, MRICS or an equivalent accreditation, and substantial UAE or GCC experience on complex, high-value capital projects.

Expertise across pre-contract and post-contract cost management is required, and the listed capabilities run from cost planning, benchmarking and value engineering through procurement and tendering to variation and change management and claims and final account negotiations. The posting gives no salary figure and no closing date.