Senior / Lead Cost Manager (Pre - Contract)

Role Overview

Senior / Lead Cost Manager (Pre-Contract) at Turner & Townsend. This role is based in the UAE market.

Company Overview

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. The company works with clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, delivering outcomes that improve people's lives. Capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. Turner & Townsend is majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with partners holding a significant minority interest.

Role Purpose

To lead pre-contract cost management activities and ensure projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget while maintaining quality. You will play a key role in advising on cost-effective solutions and managing risks across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning and Strategy

• Lead pre-contract cost management responsibilities.
• Provide advice and support on cost-effective solutions, including value engineering.
• Develop and present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders.

Risk and Budget Management

• Conduct risk assessments and ensure contingency budgets are managed appropriately.
• Review and analyze project costs, including Preliminaries, Overheads, and materials.
• Prepare regular reports on projects highlighting any deviations from the budget.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, client requirements, and regulatory bodies.

Stakeholder Management and Leadership

• Collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to ensure the project is managed effectively.
• Mentor and train junior cost managers.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in cost management, with a strong focus on pre-contract.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent) is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects independently.
• UAE market experience is mandatory.
• Experience in client-facing roles and stakeholder coordination.
• Understanding of local cost benchmarks.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, and tender documentation.
• Strong understanding of various methods of measurement (e.g., NRM, POMI, CESMM).
• Skilled in measurement software such as CostX or similar.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Capable of mentoring junior staff.