Senior Cost Manager (Pre-contract)

About the role

Turner & Townsend, a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries, is looking for an experienced Senior Cost Manager to join its team in Dubai. The ideal candidate has extensive pre-contract experience and a strong background in real estate, with a focus on commercial real estate. The role ensures projects are delivered within scope, on time and within budget while maintaining quality.

Key responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract cost management responsibilities.
• Advise and support cost-effective solutions, including value engineering.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure contingency budgets are managed appropriately.
• Prepare regular reports on projects highlighting any budget deviations.
• Review and analyse project costs, including Preliminaries, Overheads and materials.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, client requirements and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and train junior cost managers.
• Collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to manage the project effectively.

Required profile

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

Required skills

• Cost planning, estimating and tender documentation.
• Methods of measurement such as NRM, POMI and CESMM.
• Measurement software such as CostX or similar.
• Ability to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders.