Job Description: Cost Manager
Position Overview
The Cost Manager will own end-to-end cost management for assigned projects budgeting, cost control, value engineering, and process standardization — working closely with project, design, procurement, and finance teams to keep projects within approved budgets and drive continuous improvement in the cost management function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead construction cost planning, estimation and budgeting for real estate projects from concept to completion.
- Prepare and review BOQs, quantity estimates, rate analysis and detailed construction cost estimates.
- Develop and maintain project cost plans, element-wise budgets and construction cost benchmarks.
- Monitor actual costs, commitments and forecasts against approved budgets, identify variances and control cost overruns.
- Prepare Cost-to-Complete (CTC), cost forecasts and management cost reports
- Evaluate cost impact of design changes, variations, additional works and scope changes.
- Drive value engineering and cost optimisation while maintaining project quality and specifications.
- Review tender estimates, contractor quotations, rate comparisons and commercial proposals.
- Coordinate with Design, Projects, Procurement, Contracts and Finance teams for effective cost management.
- Maintain construction cost databases, historical rates and project benchmarks to improve budgeting and estimation accuracy.
- Ensure budget allocation, cost data integrity and WBS mapping in SAP and support project cost audits.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong grounding in cost estimation, budgeting, cost control, and value engineering.
- Working knowledge of SAP (PS/MM), AutoCAD, and advanced MS.
- Proficiency in BOQ preparation, rate analysis, quantity take-offs, and tender documentation.
- Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and communication/negotiation skills; process- improvement mindset.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor in Civil Engineering.
- 10-14 years' experience in project cost management (Real estate preferred).
- NICMAR/RICS/MBA or SAP certification is an added advantage.
Reporting & Collaboration
- Reports to: HOD – Project Management Office
- Works closely with project managers, design, estimation, procurement, contracts, and finance teams.