Senior Cost Estimator – Major Capital Projects

AtkinsRealis Project Management L.L.C. - S.P.C.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance

Medical insurance

Annual leave balance

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Housing & transportation allowances

Job summary

At AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Cost Estimator to lead complex cost estimation for large-scale projects and strategic bids in Abu Dhabi. You will shape methodologies, oversee accuracy, and mentor junior estimators across engineering, procurement, and finance teams to ensure reliable budgeting and risk assessment.

The role requires a senior level professional with extensive experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and reporting to executives, plus strong communication for client

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in cost estimating, project controls, quantity surveying, or commercial project management.
• Demonstrated experience leading estimates for large, complex, high‑value projects.
• Strong expertise in cost estimating methodologies, cost modeling, and project budgeting.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost estimation software.
• Experience with forecasting, earned value management, and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and review of detailed cost estimates for major capital projects, infrastructure developments, engineering programs, or manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and definitive cost estimates through project lifecycle.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, tools, and best practices across the organization.
• Perform detailed analyses of labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor, indirect, and contingency costs.
• Lead quantity take-offs and validation of project scope requirements.
• Evaluate project specifications, drawings, contracts, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Conduct cost risk assessments and sensitivity analyses to identify cost drivers and mitigation strategies.
• Provide strategic guidance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost control initiatives.
• Manage and review vendor, supplier, and subcontractor quotations and pricing submissions.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, construction, operations and finance to develop budgets.
• Present estimate assumptions, methodologies, and findings to leadership and clients.
• Support proposal development, competitive bidding, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor market trends, labor rates, commodity pricing, and industry benchmarks.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to estimators.
• Review actual project costs and perform variance analyses.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost modeling

Project budgeting

Advanced Excel

Cost estimation software

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Engineering/Construction/Quantity Surveying or related degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Cost estimation software

Job description

At AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Cost Estimator to lead complex cost estimation for large-scale projects and strategic bids in Abu Dhabi. You will shape methodologies, oversee accuracy, and mentor junior estimators across engineering, procurement, and finance teams to ensure reliable budgeting and risk assessment.

The role requires a senior level professional with extensive experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and reporting to executives, plus strong communication for client