Manager - Cost Engineering

About the role

The Manager - Cost Engineering is responsible for end-to-end cost management and reporting of the Fujairah Expansion Project within the Ports & Maritime Programme Development department. The role covers estimating, budgeting, cost control, change and claims management, forecasting and project close-out for marine, terminal and supporting infrastructure works, ensuring financial performance aligns with strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and update cost management strategies for the project, covering marine works, terminal yards, buildings, utilities and port equipment.
• Manage cost estimation rates and inflationary indexes, and help project owners build a realistic budget while monitoring compliance with Ports Cluster goals.
• Assess contingency application and expenditure across work packages and contracts, and oversee variation and contractor claim assessments under FIDIC-based contracts, supporting negotiation and settlement.
• Analyse cost data and conduct statistical, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive studies, and recommend process, procedure and governance improvements.
• Evaluate project risks, budget constraints and cost-saving opportunities, and prepare reports and presentations for the Director and Ports Cluster leadership.
• Monitor cost control KPIs such as earned value, cash flow and forecast at completion, and manage cost interfaces with procurement, planning and contracts teams.
• Benchmark market best practices for port and marine infrastructure cost management.
• Lead awareness campaigns and training on cost management governance, guide the team on CAPEX cost control compliance, and foster collaboration.
• Develop policies, standards and guidelines for CAPEX projects, advise leadership on cost management best practice, and adopt new digital and innovative practices.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Professional certification such as RICS or AACE CCP is preferred.
• Minimum 12-15 years of experience in a similar role, including at least 5 years on port, marine or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership position, managing large, multi-disciplined project controls teams and interacting regularly with boards and senior management.
• Experience handling cost control of multi-project programmes in complex environments and stakeholder-rich settings.
• Excellent English; Arabic is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Sound knowledge of FIDIC conditions of contract.
• Knowledge of cost drivers for dredging, reclamation, quay wall and terminal construction.
• Project management experience, from concept to implementation.