Lead Cost Manager

Turner & Townsend International Limited; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend International Limited in Abu Dhabi seeks a Lead Cost Manager to drive cost planning, estimating and control on major capital programs. You will lead a cost management team and act as the primary client liaison throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires MRICS or equivalent, a bachelor’s in QS or related field, 10+ years in cost consultancy, UAE/GCC experience, and strong leadership, communication and commercial skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field.
• MRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management across major capital projects from pre-contract to post-contract.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing cost management team.

Skills

Cost management

Leadership

Client liaison

Budget forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management/Civil Engineering

MRICS qualification or equivalent

Tools

SOX compliance

RFP responses

Job description

Lead Cost Manager – Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

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 lifecycleDevelop and implement comprehensive cost planning estimating and cost control strategies for complex construction projects including quantity surveying assessments change control processes and contract administrationMonitor project budgets track financial performance and prepare accurate forecasts margin reports and detailed cost analysis to support informed decision‑makingCoordinate with general contractors owner representatives and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of cost management services within the broader construction processDevelop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals incorporating risk mitigation strategies business management systems and key performance indicatorsProvide strategic advice on contracting procurement strategy and capital planning whilst participating in business development activities proposal development and RFP responsesEnsure compliance with internal controls audit requirements and SOX responsibilities where applicable Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Cost Consultancy and Quantity Surveying, preferably within a consultancy environmentBachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related disciplineMRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation in quantity surveying or cost managementSubstantial UAE/GCC experience, including exposure to complex and high-value capital projectsDemonstrated expertise in both pre-contract and post-contract cost management across the full project lifecycleComprehensive 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 negotiationsProven experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing cost management teamsStrong client-facing skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain senior stakeholder relationshipsExtensive experience preparing and presenting proposals, fee submissions, and RFP responsesCommercial acumen with the ability to identify business opportunities and contribute to business development and account growth initiativesAdvanced proficiency in financial management, budget forecasting, and margin analysisDemonstrated expertise in risk management, mitigation strategies, and contingency planningStrong knowledge of business management systems, project controls methodologies, and delivery frameworksExcellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiencesStrong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyAnalytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and accuracyLeadership & Personal Attributes:Strong leadership and people-management skills with the ability to coach, delegate, and support professional developmentExcellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilitiesProactive, accountable, and client-focused approachSound commercial judgment and strong problem‑solving capabilitiesConfidence in managing challenging stakeholders and collaborating across multidisciplinary teamsStrategic thinking and business acumen with a focus on innovation and continuous improvementResilience and adaptability in dynamic project environmentsCommitment to inclusive leadership and fostering a collaborative, supportive team culture