Lead Cost Manager

About the role

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Lead Cost Manager to join its Abu Dhabi office. In this senior position you will oversee cost management for large‑scale capital construction programmes, acting as the primary commercial partner for clients and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing cost management team throughout the project lifecycle.
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and strong relationships.
• Develop and implement comprehensive cost planning, estimating and cost‑control strategies for complex construction projects.
• Oversee quantity surveying assessments, change control processes and variation management.
• Drive commercial excellence through budgeting, forecasting, margin analysis and value‑engineering initiatives.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years (120 months) of experience in construction cost management.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on delivering innovative, cost‑effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Required skills

• Risk management mitigation strategies
• Claims and final account negotiations
• Cost reporting and commercial management
• Financial management
• Delivery frameworks
• Benchmarking and value engineering
• Project controls methodologies
• Variation and change management
• Budget forecasting
• Margin analysis
• Business management systems
• Procurement and tendering strategy
• Cost planning and estimating