Senior Rail Cost Manager — Lead Cost Strategy & Delivery

Mace; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Job summary

Mace in the UAE is driving major rail, metro and other transport infrastructure programmes, delivering complex projects across the lifecycle. We seek a senior cost management professional to lead commercially focused delivery and shape financial performance on flagship schemes.

You will develop cost plans, oversee procurement and contract administration, and provide governance‑level reporting. Join a team that values safety, collaboration and sustainable delivery in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in the applicable discipline.
• Demonstrated experience on rail, metro, high-speed rail or comparable major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client-facing, analytical, written communication and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Knowledge of relevant delivery processes, standards, systems and governance for the role.
• Professional membership, chartership or specialist certification preferred where applicable.
• UAE or wider GCC experience is advantageous but should not replace demonstrable technical and delivery competence.

Responsibilities

• Leads the delivery of cost management services across the project lifecycle, providing robust commercial advice and supporting successful client outcomes.
• Develops and maintains cost plans, estimates and financial forecasts, ensuring effective cost control and alignment with project objectives and budgets.
• Manages procurement activities, including tendering, analysis, contract preparation and supplier engagement, driving value and informed commercial decision‑making.
• Oversees contract administration, valuations, variations and final account settlement, ensuring commercial matters are managed effectively and in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Provides accurate cost reporting, financial analysis and performance insights, supporting governance, transparency and informed stakeholder decision‑making.
• Identifies and manages commercial risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation measures and value engineering solutions to protect and enhance project performance.
• Builds collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and key stakeholders, promoting service excellence and trusted commercial partnerships.
• Develops high‑performing teams through mentoring, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, while championing Safety first, sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Skills

Cost management

Contract administration

Procurement

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Rail sector experience

Leadership

Rail project delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Professional membership / chartership

Tools

Primavera P6

SAP ERP

MS Excel

Job description

Mace in the UAE is driving major rail, metro and other transport infrastructure programmes, delivering complex projects across the lifecycle. We seek a senior cost management professional to lead commercially focused delivery and shape financial performance on flagship schemes.

You will develop cost plans, oversee procurement and contract administration, and provide governance‑level reporting. Join a team that values safety, collaboration and sustainable delivery in a dynamic market.