Senior Cost Manager (Pre-contract)

Turner & Townsend; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services company is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will lead pre-contract cost management for projects, ensuring delivery within budget and scope. A degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field, coupled with 10+ years of experience, is required. The role demands strong communication skills and a proven ability to manage multiple projects. This opportunity includes mentorship responsibilities and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in cost management, focused on pre-contract.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• GCC/UAE market experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract cost management responsibilities.
• Prepare regular reports on project budgets.
• Mentor and train junior cost managers.

Skills

Cost management

Pre-contract experience

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Professional accreditation (MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent)

Tools

CostX

Various methods of measurement (NRM, POMI, CESMM)

Job description

Overview

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. We work with clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources to transform challenges into opportunities and deliver outcomes that improve people’s lives. Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., and Turner & Townsend and CBRE collaborate to provide clients with premier programme, project and cost management services worldwide.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate should have extensive pre-contract experience and a strong background in real estate, with a focus on commercial real estate. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget while maintaining quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract cost management responsibilities.
• Provide advice and support on cost-effective solutions, including value engineering.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure contingency budgets are managed appropriately.
• Prepare regular reports on projects highlighting any deviations from the budget.
• Review and analyze project costs, including preliminaries, overheads, and materials.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, client requirements, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and train junior cost managers.
• Collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to ensure the project is managed effectively.

Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent) is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years in cost management, with a strong focus on pre-contract.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in client-facing roles and stakeholder coordination.
• Understanding of local cost benchmarks.
• GCC/UAE market experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, and tender documentation.
• Ability to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of various methods of measurement (e.g., NRM, POMI, CESMM).
• Skilled in measurement software such as CostX or similar.

Leadership:

• Ability to lead cost management activities across multiple projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of mentoring junior staff and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Information

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