Luxury Construction Senior Estimator / Quantity Surveyor

ADBRA LTD; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Dubai is seeking a Senior Estimator / Quantity Surveyor to oversee luxury fit-out projects. The candidate should have over 5 years of experience in the Middle East, strong market knowledge, and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include leading project pricing, managing contracts, and preparing valuations. This role offers a part-time trial period leading to full-time employment with flexibility to meet project demands.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in luxury fit-out construction in the Middle East.
• Excellent ability to interpret architectural and technical drawings.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Lead pricing of high-end luxury fit-out projects.
• Manage contracts and budgets for live and future projects.
• Prepare and assess valuations and variations.

Skills

Estimating

Quantity Surveying

Market knowledge of the GCC

Client communication

Excel skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Formal qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

About us:

• We are a specialist construction and commercial consultancy working on high-end luxury fit-out projects across the Middle East, UK, USA, and Europe.
• Our work focuses on premium interiors, specialist trades, natural materials, and complex bespoke packages, delivered for leading designers, developers, and private clients.
• We are now looking for a Senior Estimator / Quantity Surveyor based in Dubai to lead the commercial delivery of luxury fit-out projects across the region.
• This is a senior, hands-on role for someone with strong regional experience, deep market knowledge, and the ability to operate both strategically and technically.

The role:

The role has two core responsibilities:

1. Estimating Lead – overseeing the pricing of new luxury fit-out projects and managing a team of estimators
2. Quantity Surveying – managing commercial and contractual aspects of live and future projects

The successful candidate will bring strong Middle East market knowledge, including up-to-date rates for materials, specialist trades, and subcontractors, as well as an established network of suppliers and trade specialists.

This is not an entry-level position. The role requires approximately 5+ years of relevant experience in luxury fit-out estimating and commercial management in the GCC.

Key responsibilities:

• Part 1 of the role: Estimating Lead
  • Lead the pricing of high-end luxury fit-out projects from concept through tender submission
  • Review and analyse architectural, interior, and specialist trade drawing packages
  • Prepare detailed cost plans, estimates, and bills of quantities
  • Establish and maintain regional benchmark rates for materials, labour, and specialist trades
  • Engage with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade specialists to obtain accurate pricing
  • Manage and review work produced by junior estimators, ensuring consistency and quality
  • Identify scope gaps, risks, assumptions, and commercial opportunities
  • Support value engineering and cost optimisation while protecting design intent
• Part 2 of the role: Quantity Surveying / Commercial Management
  • Manage contracts, budgets, and cash flow for live and future projects
  • Prepare and assess valuations, variations, change orders, and final accounts
  • Monitor project costs against budgets and report on commercial performance
  • Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams on commercial matters
  • Conduct site measurements and verifications as required
  • Support procurement strategies and subcontractor appointments
  • Ensure commercial compliance with contractual and project requirements

Availability / Working hours

• During trial period - part time.
• After trial period full-time role
• Some flexibility in working hours required due to international clients and project demands
• This role requires full commitment and is not suitable alongside other professional engagements

Skills

Required experience & skills

• 5+ years’ experience as an Estimator and/or Quantity Surveyor in luxury fit-out construction in the Middle East
• Strong understanding of regional market rates for materials, labour, and specialist trades
• Established network of subcontractors, suppliers, and trade specialists in the GCC
• Proven experience pricing high-end interior fit-out projects (residential, hospitality, commercial, or mixed-use)
• Excellent ability to interpret architectural and technical drawings
• Advanced Excel skills (complex formulas, structured cost models, data analysis)
• Experience using Bluebeam Revu or similar digital take-off software
• Strong commercial judgement and problem-solving ability
• Ability to lead, review, and mentor estimators
• Confident communicator with clients, consultants, and subcontractors
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Formal qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture
• Experience working with specialist trades (stone, joinery, metalwork, façade, bespoke finishes)
• Experience working with international clients and consultants
• Familiarity with different contract forms used in the Middle East