Quantity Surveyor

buildup; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Build Up is seeking a qualified Quantity Surveyor / Cost Estimator in Dubai to lead RFP/tender reviews, BOQ preparation, and cost optimization for exhibition stands and events. The role requires strong commercial acumen, vendor negotiation, and end-to-end cost management of turnkey fit-out projects in a fast-paced exhibition environment.

Experience in exhibition design & build companies and event production is highly preferred. UAE/GCC experience is required, with Arabic as an added advantage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Quantity Surveying within exhibition stands & events.
• Hands-on experience in exhibition stands and event production essential.
• Strong ability to prepare BOQs, cost estimates, tender pricing and supplier pricing.
• Understanding of event technology and activations is a plus.
• Arabic language is an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret RFPs, tender documents, technical specifications, drawings, designs, and client requirements.
• Prepare accurate and comprehensive BOQs, cost estimates, tender pricing, and commercial submissions.
• Ensure costing is fully aligned with the design, technical proposal, scope of work, and client requirements.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Design, Technical, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Identify scope gaps and discrepancies and raise appropriate RFIs and clarifications.
• Ensure complete commercial and technical coverage before tender submission.
• Develop value-engineering and cost-optimization solutions while maintaining design intent and quality.
• Source suitable suppliers and subcontractors and obtain competitive quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and scope with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Benchmark material, production, fabrication, AV, technology, and subcontractor costs.
• Support tender strategy and commercial decision-making.
• Upon project award, prepare and issue accurate Direct Cost (DC) sheets and cost breakdowns to the Operations team.
• Ensure proper handover of all costing assumptions, supplier quotations, scope details, and commercial information to the project delivery team.

Skills

Quantity Surveying

Cost Estimation

Exhibition Stands

Tendering

BOQ Preparation

Supplier Pricing

Value Engineering

Negotiation

UAE/GCC Experience

Turnkey Fit-out

Job description

We’re Hiring: Quantity Surveyor – Exhibitions & Events

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Exhibitions, Events & Experiential

Employment Type: Full-Time

Build Up is looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Cost Estimator with a strong background in exhibition stands, event production, and design & build projects.

This role requires someone with strong commercial and technical knowledge who can take a project from RFP/tender review through BOQ preparation, costing, supplier pricing, value engineering, and final tender submission.

Experience & Requirements

• Proven experience in Quantity Surveying / Cost Estimation, including a minimum of 3 years specifically within Exhibition Stands & Events
• Hands‑on experience in exhibition stands and event production is essential
• Strong experience in BOQ preparation, cost estimation, tendering, and subcontractor pricing
• Strong understanding of exhibition and event production, including:
• Joinery and carpentry
• Metalwork
• Temporary structures
• Furniture
• Fit‑out works
• Good technical understanding of:
• AV systems
• LED screens
• Lighting
• Rigging
• Graphics and branding
• Other exhibition/event technical requirements
• Good understanding of Event Technology & Activations, including interactive and digital experiences
• Strong commercial awareness with proven skills in negotiation, value engineering, cost optimization, and supplier management
• UAE/GCC experience is required
• Experience in turnkey fit-out projects is an advantage
• Arabic language is an added advantage

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret RFPs, tender documents, technical specifications, drawings, designs, and client requirements
• Prepare accurate and comprehensive BOQs, cost estimates, tender pricing, and commercial submissions
• Ensure costing is fully aligned with the design, technical proposal, scope of work, and client requirements
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Design, Technical, Procurement, and Operations teams
• Identify scope gaps and discrepancies and raise appropriate RFIs and clarifications
• Ensure complete commercial and technical coverage before tender submission
• Develop value‑engineering and cost‑optimization solutions while maintaining the required design intent and quality
• Source suitable suppliers and subcontractors and obtain competitive quotations
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and scope with suppliers and subcontractors
• Benchmark material, production, fabrication, AV, technology, and subcontractor costs
• Support tender strategy and commercial decision-making
• Upon project award, prepare and issue accurate Direct Cost (DC) sheets and cost breakdowns to the Operations team
• Ensure proper handover of all costing assumptions, supplier quotations, scope details, and commercial information to the project delivery team

The Candidate We’re Looking For

We are specifically looking for someone who understands how exhibition stands and events are actually produced and built, not only a traditional construction Quantity Surveyor.

Candidates with previous experience in exhibition design & build companies, event production companies, experiential agencies, pavilion projects, or major exhibition contractors will be strongly preferred.

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