Manager - Cost Engineering

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Ports is seeking a Manager Cost Engineering to lead end-to-end cost management for the Fujairah Expansion Project within the Ports & Maritime Programme Development department. You will oversee estimating, budgeting, cost control, change and claims management, and forecasting for marine terminal and supporting infrastructure works.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years in similar roles, with at least 5 years on port, marine, or major infrastructure projects, and a strong track record in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Quantity Surveying or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Professional certification (RICS, AACE CCP) preferred.
• Excellent English communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and update cost management strategies for the Fujairah Expansion Project.
• Manage cost estimation, rates and inflation indexes; collaborate to create realistic budgets.
• Assess contingency use and expenditure across all work packages and contracts.
• Oversee variations and contractor claims under FIDIC-based contracts and support settlements.
• Conduct in-depth cost data analysis and provide actionable insights.
• Ensure governance and processes align with Ports Cluster goals and requirements.
• Evaluate project risks, budgets, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead cost controls team and drive governance and compliance.
• Provide leadership and guidance to CAPEX cost control teams.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in cost management.
• Advise leadership on best practices and trends in port project cost management.

Skills

Strategic cost management

Budgeting & forecasting

Cost control

Change and claims management

Leadership & team building

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

Master's degree (preferred)

RICS/AACE CCP certification (preferred)

Job description

The Manager Cost Engineering will be responsible for the end to end cost management and reporting of the Fujairah Expansion Project within Ports amp Maritime Programme Development department This role covers estimating budgeting cost control change and claims management forecasting and project close out for marine terminal and supporting infrastructure works ensuring financial performance aligns with strategic objectives

Educational and Technical Qualifications

Bachelor s degree in Engineering Quantity Surveying or a related field Master s degree is a plus Professional certification e g RICS AACE CCP is preferred

Language Skills

Excellent English Arabic is an added advantage

Years of Experience

A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in a similar role including at least 5 years on port marine or major infrastructure projects

Nature of Experience

Proven experience in delivering port marine and infrastructure engineering and construction projects

Experience in a senior leadership position

Handled cost control of multi project programme in complex environments and stakeholders

Experience in managing large multi-disciplined project controls teams

Direct interaction with various boards and senior management on a regular basis

Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills to identify and address complex challenges and opportunities and make data-driven decisions

Exceptional organizational skills at ease with ambiguity ability to deal with high complexity situations comfortable with a high level of detail yet mindful of the bigger picture

Experience in project management including the ability to plan execute and oversee projects from concept to implementation

Sound knowledge of FIDIC conditions of contract and of cost drivers for dredging reclamation quay wall and terminal construction works

Key Internal Contacts

Purpose of Interaction

Fujairah Expansion Project Team Ports Cluster Engineering Procurement amp Finance

Implement strategies

Provide support and guidance

Enforce compliance

Present data and reports

Build and manage project budgets

Key External Contacts

Purpose of Interaction

Consultants amp Contractors

Government amp Fujairah Port Authority Stakeholders

Enforce compliance and governance

Provide consultation and strategic advice

Benchmark best practices

Deliver reports as necessary

Leadership Competencies required for the role

Competencies

Customer Focus

Mental Agility

Drive Performance

Adaptability

Courage

Inspire

Core Responsibilities

Develop implement and update cost management strategies for the Fujairah Expansion Project covering marine works dredging reclamation quay walls breakwaters terminal yards buildings utilities and port equipment

Manage cost estimation rates and inflationary indexes collaborate with project owners to create realistic project budget and monitor project activities compliance in accordance with Ports Cluster goals and objectives

Assess contingency application and expenditure across the project s work packages and contracts

Oversee the assessment of variations and contractor claims under FIDIC-based contracts and support their negotiation and settlement

Conduct in-depth cost data analysis and complete statistical diagnostic predictive and prescriptive study

Study and implement the necessary changes to the current processes procedures and governance to align with the Ports Cluster s evolving goals and requirements

Evaluate and validate project risks budget constraints and cost saving opportunities across the project and provide recommendations on control measures to enhance efficiency

Prepare reports and presentations to the Director Ports amp Maritime Programme Engineering and Ports Cluster leadership on the cost performance of the Fujairah Expansion Project

Monitor cost control and performance KPIs including earned value cash flow and forecast at completion across the project and examine any areas of concern or potential areas for improvement

Manage cost interfaces with the procurement planning and contracts teams including tender evaluations cost-to-complete forecasts and monthly cost reports

Conduct a benchmark to study market best practices and industry trends with regard to port and marine infrastructure cost management

People Management Responsibilities

Lead awareness campaigns and training regimes on cost management governance related issues

Provide leadership and guidance to the team for all CAPEX cost control related governance and compliance matters

Provide strong and visionary leadership supervision and guidance to the team setting clear expectations and creating a culture of accountability

Foster a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork among team members to maximize their collective potential

Strategic Responsibilities

Manage excellence within the division and lead in continuous improvement and innovation

Develop policies standards and guidelines on CAPEX projects and programmes and ensure compliance of implementation

Identify future digital and innovative trends and practices associated with the delivery of the project and implement new technologies and practices

Act as a strategic advisor to the leadership team on port project cost management best practices and trends

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus. Professional certification (e.g., RICS, AACE CCP) is preferred