Project Cost Optimization Specialist

ADNOC Abu Dhabi UAE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

ADNOC Group in Abu Dhabi seeks a Project Cost Optimization Specialist with 15+ years in project management and engineering. The role leads cost optimization reviews, evaluates engineering alternatives and coordinates with discipline heads to improve project value while maintaining engineering integrity.

You will prepare findings, reports and management briefs, support implementation and promote continuous improvement across ADNOC Group companies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• 15+ years of professional experience in project management and engineering.
• Strong knowledge of cost control, project planning and technical evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead Project Cost Optimization Reviews and studies to identify engineering alternatives that improve project value and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate engineering options proposed for projects selected for cost optimization assessments.
• Coordinate with Group Companies to establish annual plans and schedules for cost optimization studies.
• Prepare comprehensive Cost Optimization Review study reports covering findings and recommended actions.
• Communicate recommendations to relevant directorates and senior management.

Skills

Cost optimization

Engineering evaluation

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Project Cost Optimization Specialist Job Snapshot - Role: Project Cost Optimization Specialist - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Oil and Energy - Function: Cost Estimating - Experience: Minimum 15 years in project management and engineering - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

ADNOC Group is seeking an experienced engineering professional to lead Project Cost Optimization Reviews and studies, supporting ADNOC Group companies in delivering efficient capital projects with optimized costs and maximum value. The role focuses on evaluating engineering alternatives, identifying cost reduction opportunities and recommending technically sound solutions that improve project economics without compromising engineering requirements. The position involves working closely with project management teams, engineering disciplines and senior leadership to communicate findings, assess implementation feasibility and promote continuous improvement in project cost optimization practices.

Job Details

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• City: Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Oil and Energy
• Function: Cost Estimating
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Accountabilities

• - Lead Project Cost Optimization Reviews and studies to identify engineering alternatives that improve project value and cost efficiency.
• - Evaluate engineering options proposed for projects selected for cost optimization assessments.
• - Assess the application of advanced technologies, engineering solutions and innovative approaches in coordination with discipline heads and engineering teams across ADNOC Group companies.
• - Coordinate with Group Companies to establish annual plans and schedules for project cost optimization studies.
• - Review engineering designs, project documentation and cost estimates submitted by Project Management Teams (PMT).
• - Identify technical issues, cost optimization opportunities and areas requiring clarification before formal review sessions.
• - Prepare engineering findings and clarification lists based on submitted project documents.
• - Organize and conduct preparatory meetings with ADNOC Headquarters and relevant Group Company stakeholders.
• - Document engineering data, technical discussions and recommendations during cost optimization review sessions.
• - Prepare comprehensive Cost Optimization Review study reports covering engineering findings, cost improvement opportunities and recommended actions.
• - Review and comment on technical studies and optimization reports as required.

Technical Evaluation and Management Recommendations

• - Evaluate emerging engineering technologies, software applications and technical solutions for potential use in project optimization.
• - Prepare management summaries highlighting significant engineering findings and cost reduction opportunities.
• - Develop technical reports, presentations and supporting materials for management review and decision-making.
• - Review and contribute engineering and cost estimation content to Cost Optimization Review reports and related technical publications.
• - Communicate recommendations to relevant directorates and coordinate assessments of their technical and operational feasibility.
• - Prepare formal memoranda outlining major findings and recommendations for directorate executives and senior management.
• - Consolidate lessons learned and engineering best practices identified through completed optimization studies.
• - Continuously improve review methodologies, study sessions and evaluation processes to strengthen their effectiveness, efficiency and resilience.
• - Consider artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, sustainability measures and other relevant optimization approaches when assessing project value.

Functional Supervision and Staff Development

• - Plan, supervise and coordinate activities within the assigned area to achieve functional objectives.
• - Provide guidance, coaching and technical development to assigned employees.
• - Identify relevant training needs and support staff in developing the skills required to meet section objectives.
• - Promote effective coordination, accountability and consistent technical performance across assigned activities.

Budgeting and Cost Control

• - Contribute to the preparation of functional, divisional, departmental or section budgets.
• - Support implementation of approved budgets and associated work plans.
• - Monitor budget performance and investigate significant cost variances.
• - Highlight financial deviations and recommend appropriate measures to strengthen cost control and resource efficiency.

Policies, Performance and Continuous Improvement

• - Implement approved policies, systems, processes, procedures and engineering standards in accordance with company requirements and applicable international standards.
• - Contribute to the achievement of approved functional performance objectives under the ADNOC performance management framework.
• - Identify opportunities to improve internal engineering and operational processes using recognized industry practices.
• - Develop and implement tools and techniques that improve process quality, technical analysis and operational efficiency.
• - Support the adoption of intelligent solutions, data-driven assessments and innovative approaches to recurring functional challenges.

HSE and Sustainability Compliance

• - Comply with applicable Health, Safety and Environment policies, procedures and operational controls.
• - Ensure assigned activities follow relevant legislation, sustainability guidelines, international standards and ADNOC Codes of Practice.
• - Incorporate applicable HSE and sustainability considerations into engineering evaluations and cost optimization recommendations.

Reporting and Stakeholder Coordination

• - Provide technical and performance information for functional progress reports submitted to company management.
• - Maintain effective communication with the Vice President, Group Engineering, and heads of engineering disciplines.
• - Coordinate with cost estimation teams across ADNOC Group companies.
• - Collaborate with relevant ADNOC divisions, including Upstream, Downstream and TEO.
• - Engage with shareholders, ADNOC Group counterparts and other internal stakeholders as required.
• - Liaise with local and international vendors, contractors and third-party service providers on relevant engineering and cost optimization matters.

Qualifications and Professional Experience

Education

• Bachelor 's degree in Engineering.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in project management and engineering.
• Strong understanding of technological advancements and emerging engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering cost control, project planning and technical evaluation.

Knowledge and Professional Skills

• Strong leadership, people management and organizational planning capabilities.
• Effective cost control, analytical assessment and decision-support skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate technical recommendations to management.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and professional communication skills.
• Effective coaching and employee development capabilities.
• Good command of English.
• Good working knowledge of computer applications.
• Awareness of emerging engineering technologies and their potential contribution to project performance and cost efficiency.

Core Technical Competencies

Risk and Project Governance

• - Risk Assessment and Management - Level 4
• - Stakeholder Management - Level 4
• - Project Management - Level 3
• - Project Planning and Scheduling - Level 4
• - Contractor Performance Management - Level 4
• - Projects Quality Assurance - Level 2
• - Stakeholder Management for Capital Projects - Level 3
• - Project Risk Management - Level 2
• - Resource Allocation and Management - Level 4

Cost and Financial Optimization

• - Cost Reduction Strategies and Initiatives - Level 4
• - Costing and Job Costing Analysis - Level 4
• - Cost Management and Financial Efficiency - Level 3
• - Financial Performance Optimization Strategies - Level 4

Technology, Research and Data Analysis

• - Market Trends and Industry Information Research - Level 3
• - AI Fluency - Level 3
• - AI-Driven Process Optimization - Level 4
• - Intelligent Data Interpretation - Level 4

The role requires the ability to translate complex engineering assessments into practical recommendations that support ADNOC Group companies in improving project value, financial efficiency and engineering performance.