Senior Cost Manager Cost Planning

About the role

We are looking for Senior Cost Manager, who is passionate about Cost Planning & Estimation to join our fantastic Pre-Contract team in Omnium s Dubai branch.

The successful candidate will play a lead role in our delivery of pre-contract activities within our wide-ranging portfolio of projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage detailed Cost Plans from concept through to tender stage, incorporating all elements of the project lifecycle.
• Prepare Feasibility Studies and high-level cost estimates to support initial project appraisals and business cases.
• Conduct Value Engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or design intent.
• Analyse and interpret complex architectural and engineering drawings and specifications to accurately assess project scope and cost implications.
• Lead the production of precise and comprehensive quantity take-offs using industry-standard methodologies and advanced proficiency in CostX.
• Utilise CostX to generate detailed measurement reports, analyze cost data, and produce accurate quantities for all building elements (e.g., substructure, superstructure, finishes, MEP, external works).
• Prepare robust and unambiguous Bills of Quantities (BOQs) in accordance with project-specific requirements and relevant standard methods of measurement.
• Review and verify BOQs prepared by junior team members or external consultants for accuracy and completeness.
• Conduct thorough market research to inform cost plans, including analysis of material costs, labor rates, plant costs, and specialist contractor pricing.
• Maintain and develop a robust cost database, incorporating historical project data and market trends.
• Perform benchmarking against similar large-scale and complex projects to validate cost estimates and identify competitive pricing.
• Identify and assess potential cost risks and opportunities throughout the pre-contract phase.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate cost risks and capitalize on cost-saving opportunities.
• Facilitate and contribute to value engineering workshops, offering innovative solutions to optimize project costs and enhance value.
• Lead client engagement activities, acting as the primary point of contact for all cost-related matters.
• Present cost reports, analyses, and recommendations to clients in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Provide expert cost advice and guidance to clients, assisting them in making informed decisions.
• Collaborate effectively with design teams, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on cost objectives and project scope.
• Participate in client meetings, workshops, and negotiations, representing the cost management function with authority and professionalism.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years post-graduate experience as a Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with 3+ years working in the Middle East.
• Proven experience as a Senior Cost Manager or equivalent, specifically on large-scale and complex building construction projects.
• Should have extensive experience working with blue-chip UAE developers such as EMAAR, Nakheel, Dubai Holdings, Aldar, Modon etc.
• Must have a demonstrable ability to excel in client-facing roles. The Senior Cost Manager should have the professional poise and confidence to present and build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and other key stakeholders.
• Must have experience working for a Cost Consultant or PMC on a variety of large-scale and complex developments - residential, hospitality, retail, infrastructure etc.
• Strong knowledge of CostX measurement software.
• Demonstrable understanding of the UAE supply chain and extensive knowledge of regional material suppliers.
• Must have high-level analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and evaluate cost data effectively.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and teamwork skills.
• The ability to write clear and precise reports and to relate complex information in a simple way.