Lead / Senior Cost Manager (Pre-contract)

turnertownsend

Abu Dhabi, Middle East, United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates

Posted Jun 4, 2026

Full-time
On-site
Real estate
Executive

Job description

Company Description Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. Job Description We are seeking an experienced Lead / Senior Cost Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate should have extensive pre-contract experience and a strong background in real estate sector, with a focus on commercial real estate. You will play a key role in ensuring our projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget while maintaining quality. Responsibilities: Lead pre-contract cost management responsibilities. Provide advice and support on cost-effective solutions, including value engineering. Conduct risk assessments and ensure contingency budgets are managed appropriately. Prepare regular reports on projects highlighting any deviations from the budget. Review and analyze 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 ensure the project is managed effectively. Qualifications Education: Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent) is highly preferred. Experience: 10+ years in cost management, with a strong focus on pre-contract. Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects independently. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience in client-facing roles and stakeholder coordination. Understanding of local cost benchmarks. GCC/UAE market experience is advantageous but not mandatory. Technical Skills: Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, and tender documentation. Ability to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders. Strong understanding of various methods of measurement (e.g., NRM, POMI, CESMM). Skilled in measurement software such as CostX or similar. Leadership: Ability to lead cost management activities across multiple projects. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Capable of mentoring junior staff and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Education: Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent) is highly preferred. Experience: 10+ years in cost management, with a strong focus on pre-contract. Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects independently. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience in client-facing roles and stakeholder coordination. Understanding of local cost benchmarks. GCC/UAE market experience is advantageous but not mandatory. Technical Skills: Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, and tender documentation. Ability to present cost strategies and reports to clients and senior stakeholders. Strong understanding of various methods of measurement (e.g., NRM, POMI, CESMM). Skilled in measurement software such as CostX or similar. Leadership: Ability to lead cost management activities across multiple projects. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Capable of mentoring junior staff and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Additional Information Join our social media conversations for more information about Turner & Townsend and our exciting future projects: Twitter Instagram LinkedIn It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.