Principal Consultant – Commercial – Construction and Logistics Jacobs

Iax GmbH; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs seeks a Principal Consultant – Commercial to own cost planning, CapEx/OpEx/LCC estimates, and comprehensive cost analyses. You’ll lead contract negotiations, manage live contracts and payments, and ensure governance and risk controls across projects.

The role supports hybrid working between Jacobs offices and remote locations, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and value delivery in PPP-enabled environments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in quantity surveying/cost estimating in construction.
• Proven ability to lead cost planning including CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates.
• Established cost intelligence with regional benchmarks and market rates.

Responsibilities

• Own cost planning and develop CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates.
• Lead negotiations, drafting and administration of contracts and agreements.
• Oversee live contracts, variations, and payment processes with accurate reporting.

Skills

Quantity surveying

Cost estimation

Risk management

Contract negotiation

Financial forecasting

Tools

Costing software

Project controls tools

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your Impact

At Jacobs, we push the limits of what’s possible to make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable. In our transport work, that means designing innovative solutions to move people and goods safely and efficiently across the globe. From rail systems mobilising accessible transit, to ports linking land and sea – when it comes to connecting the people and places of tomorrow, the future of transport depends on us.

Bring your curiosity, talent for multi-tasking, and extreme attention to detail, and we’ll help you grow, pursue and fulfil what drives you – so we can make big impacts on the world, together

The Principal Consultant – Commercial owns cost planning including CapEx, OpEx and life-cycle cost (LCC) estimates and comprehensive cost analyses, leads the management of contracts and payment processes, and acts as the recognised day-to-day commercial contact within the Service Line. Applying functional knowledge to complex problems and identifying innovative solutions, the role works independently with guidance only in the most complex situations and is often requested by name by clients, with a strong understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structures an advantage.

What You’ll Do

Strategic

1. Own cost planning — the preparation and review of CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates ensuring precision and sound whole-life value decisions
2. Drive comprehensive cost analyses and optimisation of value to enhance project efficiency
3. Draw on established cost knowledge and familiarity with regional benchmarks to validate estimates and inform whole-life value decisions
4. Identify and manage risks, developing mitigation strategies to safeguard project success
5. Ensure adherence to contract terms and governance standards, upholding legal and regulatory compliance
6. Direct the development of detailed, accurate reports and documentation giving insight into project financials and performance.
7. Manage change orders, integrating alterations into the project’s financial framework
8. Develop and maintain financial forecasts to guide project planning and budgetary allocations
9. Apply functional knowledge to complex problems, identifying innovative solutions with minimal guidance.

Operational

1. Lead cost planning — preparing and producing detailed CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates and benchmark them against regional market rates and reference data
2. Lead the negotiation, drafting and administration of contracts and agreements, ensuring clarity and coherence in deliverables and terms
3. Oversee administration of live contracts, monitoring adherence, managing variations/change orders, and resolving discrepancies or issues
4. Manage payment processes including invoicing, valuations, receivables and payables while ensuring accuracy and timeliness to maintain financial equilibrium
5. Maintain cost databases and benchmarking references, guiding the team’s day-to-day estimating and cost checks
6. Lead commercial and contractual meetings with clients, site teams, Project Controls and Finance
7. Monitor and report commercial and project progress, reviewing cost reports and trackers to a high standard
8. Lead project teams to achieve milestones and objectives, coordinating and supervising direct reports

Clients

1. Act as the recognised day-to-day client contact within the Service Line, building and maintaining strong client relationships
2. Confidently represent Jacobs in technical and commercial discussions; often requested by name by clients for expertise
3. Present at client pitches and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to varied audiences
4. Manage, communicate, present, justify and influence with clients

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Here’s what you’ll need

1. 10+ years of hands-on experience in quantity surveying / cost estimating in construction, across multiple sectors
2. Proven ability to lead cost planning, including CapEx, OpEx and LCC estimates
3. Established cost intelligence, strong command of regional cost benchmarks, market rates and reference data across sectors, and the ability to build and maintain robust cost databases
4. Understanding of cost drivers across a range of asset typologies — e.g. office buildings,hospitals, mixed-use developments and infrastructure
5. Strong understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structures and whole-life costing (an advantage)
6. Distinguished in one commercial sub-capability or advanced in two, with broad awareness of other Advisory Service Lines
7. Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement processes and project management principles
8. Strong numerical and analytical skills for accurate financial assessments and forecasting
9. Proficient use of industry-specific software and tools
10. Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills
11. Ability to assess and manage project risks; knowledge of relevant industry regulations and codes

Jacobs. A world where you can.

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally – and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.