Lead Cost Manager; Estimation​/Cost Control - Arabic Speaker

Lead Cost Manager (Estimation / Cost Control) - Arabic Speaker

Full-time

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.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Lead Cost Manager with fluent Arabic language capabilities to join our organisation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In this leadership role, you will oversee all cost estimation, cost control, and financial management activities for our projects. You will be responsible for developing comprehensive cost strategies, managing project budgets, and ensuring cost efficiency across all operational areas.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, decisive decision-making abilities, and the ability to lead and mentor a cost management team whilst maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism. You will be expected to engage confidently with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders, presenting cost performance and commercial strategies with clarity and professional authority.

• Develop and manage detailed cost estimates for projects from feasibility through to tendering, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organisational standards and client requirements
• Prepare comprehensive estimate reports, cost reports, procurement reports, and tender reports for clients and senior management, demonstrating detailed knowledge of project commercial controls
• Present cost-related information and commercial strategies confidently to clients, other consultants, and project stakeholders, supporting strategic decision-making with clear analysis and professional recommendations
• Oversee cost control processes and implement cost management strategies to optimise project profitability and minimise budget overruns, with particular focus on Real Estate and Property sector projects
• Monitor project expenditures against approved budgets, manage interim payment processing, and ensure timely and accurate cost reporting with full data integrity
• Analyse project costs, identify variances, and prepare comprehensive cost forecasts and commercial reports for senior management and stakeholders
• Lead and mentor the cost management team, providing guidance on estimation techniques, cost control methodologies, and best practices within professional cost consultancy standards
• Conduct contract cost analysis and review contractual terms to identify cost implications, commercial opportunities, and savings potential
• Manage cost management software systems and maintain professional standards in all cost control documentation and reporting
• Collaborate with project managers, procurement teams, and other departments to ensure cost objectives are met and organisational policies are upheld

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 15 years’ professional experience in cost estimation, cost control, or project cost management
• Fluent Arabic (written and verbal) and English language proficiency
• Professional accreditation such as MRICS, AIQS, or equivalent
• Expertise in cost analysis, budget forecasting, variance analysis, and financial interpretation
• Advanced knowledge of cost estimation methodologies and cost control techniques
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail

• Experience in large-scale construction or engineering project environments
• Knowledge of project finance management and risk assessment in cost control
• Project management certification or relevant professional credentials
• Prior UAE construction industry experience