Senior Cost / Estimating Manager

Decima International; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Decima International is seeking a Senior Cost / Estimating Manager to lead cost control, forecasting, and reporting across infrastructure, technology, and construction projects in the UAE and beyond.

This client-facing role requires advanced analytical and communication skills, with strong proficiency in Primavera P6, SAP, and Excel, and a proven track record of managing budgets, change orders, and cost reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of cost control or cost engineering experience in construction/infrastructure.
• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant technical/financial field.
• Strong understanding of project cost management, forecasting, variance analysis and control procedures.
• Experience with cost control software and financial reporting tools (Primavera P6, SAP, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Oversee cost control activities, ensuring costs are tracked, reported and controlled per budget.
• Develop and maintain cost control systems, reports, forecasts and change management procedures.
• Collaborate with project teams to review data, identify discrepancies and mitigate cost overruns.
• Provide monthly and quarterly cost reports to senior management with EVA and cost variance insights.
• Track project performance against budget and schedule; recommend improvements and corrective actions.
• Perform cost analysis to support decisions, including risk and forecast evaluations.
• Assist in budget preparation and cost estimation for proposals and contracts.
• Review and manage change orders; ensure financial impact is reflected in budget.

Skills

Cost control

Cost forecasting

Variance analysis

Stakeholder communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Excel

SAP

Job description

Decima International is a professional services company, providing project management and controls services to clients in the United States and the Middle East. Our mission is to become the premier professional services provider across all industry sectors we are engaged in. To accomplish this, Decima International’s founders established a simple yet powerful formula:

Approach each client engagement as apartnership, create an environment that attracts themost talented professionalsand allows them to flourish, and regulategrowthto maintainexcellencein our service standards.

We are looking for a highly skilled and drivenSenior Cost / Estimating Managerto support our diverse portfolio of projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and construction. This client-facing role requires exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a strong emphasis on cost management, forecasting, and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of project controls, cost engineering, and financial management principles, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

You will play an integral role in delivering cost control support across multiple projects, working with both technical teams and management to ensure that all costs are tracked, analyzed, and controlled throughout the project lifecycle.

We’re looking to bring in dedicated individuals who are eager to contribute to high-impact projects while pursuing opportunities for growth and development in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the cost control activities on projects, ensuring that all costs are tracked, reported, and controlled in line with the project budget.
• Develop and maintain cost control systems, including cost reports, forecasts, and change management procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to review cost data, identify discrepancies, and provide recommendations to mitigate cost overruns.
• Provide monthly and quarterly cost reports for senior management, highlighting key financial metrics, including earned value analysis (EVA) and cost variance.
• Track and report on project performance against the approved budget and schedule, identifying areas for improvement and corrective action.
• Perform cost analysis to support project decisions, including evaluating alternative cost scenarios, conducting risk analysis, and providing cost forecasting.
• Support the preparation of project proposals and budgets by providing accurate cost estimates and assessing financial risks.
• Analyze and manage project change orders, ensuring that all changes are documented and their financial impact is accurately reflected in the project budget.
• Assist in negotiating and managing contracts with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure compliance with budgetary constraints.
• Review and approve contractor invoices, ensuring that all costs are legitimate and within the agreed terms.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and industry standards in all cost control activities.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to strategy development, positioning, proposing, and negotiating contracts.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of cost control or cost engineering experience in the construction, infrastructure, or similar industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, finance, accounting, or related technical fields.
• Strong understanding of project cost management principles, including cost forecasting, variance analysis, and cost control procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with cost control software and financial reporting tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Excel, SAP).
• Proven track record in managing project budgets, identifying cost discrepancies, and providing corrective actions.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present financial information to clients and senior management.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Construction Management, Finance, or related fields.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification.
• Experience with earned value management (EVM) and risk management processes.
• Experience working on large-scale projects or with international teams.
• Active membership in PMI, AACE, or similar professional associations.

POSITION DETAILS

• Primary Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Position Classification: Salary-based full-time regular hours

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

• Microsoft Excel
• SAP
• Microsoft Office

Decima International is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to the safety and well-being of all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.