Lead Estimator

1. Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Senior Estimators, Estimators, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Manage departmental resources, workload planning, and prioritization to meet tender deadlines.
• Establish and enforce best practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance for all estimates and submissions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accuracy, and commercial acumen within the team.

2. Pre-Contract Management:

• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive, accurate, and timely cost estimates for fit-out projects of all scales and complexities (from initial budgets to final tender submissions).
• Conduct detailed analysis of tender documents, drawings, and specifications to identify risk, opportunity, and scope.
• Lead the commercial strategy for key bids, including subcontractor/supplier procurement, negotiation, and selection.
• Prepare and present tender settlement reports to the senior management team, providing clear recommendations and risk assessments.
• Ensure all estimates include a robust risk allowance and align with the company’s profitability targets.

3. Post-Contract & Cost Management:

• Oversee the handover of awarded projects from the estimation team to the operations/project team, ensuring clear communication of commercial assumptions.
• Manage the post-contract cost management function, including variations (VO), cost-to-complete forecasts, and interim valuations.
• Provide analytical support to project teams for financial reporting and identifying potential cost overruns or savings.
• Lead the final account negotiation and agreement process to maximize project profitability.

4. Analytical & Strategic Duties:

• Utilize strong analytical skills to benchmark costs, analyze historical data, and improve estimating accuracy and databases.
• Develop and maintain rates libraries, cost models, and material/plant databases specific to fit-out works.
• Analyze market trends, material price fluctuations, and subcontractor markets to inform pricing strategies.
• Produce management reports on departmental performance, hit rates, tender pipeline, and portfolio profitability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional membership (e.g., RICS, CIOB) is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in estimation and cost management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role specifically within a fit-out / interior contracting company.
• Proven track record of successfully bidding for and managing the commercial aspects of a wide range of fit-out projects (commercial offices, retail, F&B, hospitality).
• In-depth knowledge of fit-out methodologies, materials, finishes, MEP services, and specialist subcontractors.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED10,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Apply only if you have very strong hands on Fit Out Projects
• Are you willing to work 6 days a week in Musaffah?
• Are you willing to work the offered salary?
• Have you led the Estimation Team?