Senior Lead Cost Manager - Pre-Contract

About the role

Turner & Townsend, a global professional services company with capabilities in programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager for its Dubai team. The role focuses on pre-contract cost management in the real estate sector, with a focus on commercial real estate, and 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.
• 10+ 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

• Proficiency in cost planning, estimating and tender documentation.
• Strong understanding of measurement methods such as NRM, POMI and CESMM.
• Skilled in measurement software such as CostX or similar.
• Ability to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders.