Lead Cost Manager

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the cost management team and maintain transparent client and stakeholder communication.
• Develop cost planning, estimating, cost control, quantity surveying, change control, and contract administration strategies.
• Monitor budgets, financial performance, forecasts, margin reports, and detailed cost analyses.
• Coordinate with contractors, owner representatives, and external stakeholders across the construction process.
• Develop strategic plans with risk mitigation, business management systems, and key performance indicators.
• Advise on contracting, procurement strategy, and capital planning while supporting proposals and RFP responses.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and applicable SOX responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in cost consultancy and quantity surveying.
• Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, construction management, civil engineering, or a related discipline.
• MRICS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation in quantity surveying or cost management.
• Substantial UAE or GCC experience with complex and high-value capital projects.
• Expertise in pre-contract and post-contract cost management across the full project lifecycle.

Capabilities

• Cost planning, estimating, benchmarking, and value engineering.
• Procurement, tendering strategy, cost reporting, and commercial management.
• Variation, change, claims, and final account management.
• Financial management, budget forecasting, and margin analysis.
• Risk management, mitigation strategies, contingency planning, and project controls.
• Business development, proposals, fee submissions, and RFP responses.
• Leadership, mentoring, client relationship management, and senior stakeholder communication.
• Strong organization, analytical judgment, presentation, written communication, and attention to detail.

Leadership and personal attributes