Cost Manager (Pre-contract)

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 a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Manager (Pre-contract) to join our growing team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this role, you will be instrumental in managing project costs during the pre-contract phase, ensuring that our projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. You will work collaboratively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to develop comprehensive cost strategies and provide transparent, data-driven recommendations that drive project success.
Manage pre-contract cost management responsibilities for assigned projects, including cost planning, estimating, budget development, and tender documentation preparation using industry-standard methods of measurement (NRM, POMI, CESMM)
Conduct thorough risk assessments, develop appropriate contingency budgets, and analyse project costs to identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering initiatives
Prepare regular, transparent reports on project costs, highlighting deviations from budget and recommending corrective actions; review and validate cost data for accuracy and compliance with industry standards
Provide expert advice and support on cost-effective solutions, utilising measurement software such as CostX to enhance accuracy and efficiency in cost analysis
Collaborate effectively with clients, design teams, and other stakeholders to ensure clear communication and alignment on project costs and cost strategies
Ensure all cost management activities comply with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and client specifications
Support the development and refinement of cost benchmarks relevant to the UAE market
Qualifications
**Education:**
Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying or related field
Professional membership (e.g., MRICS) is advantageous
**Experience:**
Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in cost management, with strong focus on pre-contract activities
Proven track record managing project costs independently and delivering accurate estimates
UAE market experience is required
**Technical Skills:**
Proficiency in cost planning, estimating, and tender documentation preparation using NRM, POMI, and CESMM methods of measurement
Proficiency with CostX measurement software is required
Strong ability to analyse complex cost data and financial information
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project management tools
**Core Competencies:**
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Ability to work independently whilst collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, value engineering, and cost optimisation
Capability to present cost strategies and detailed reports to clients and senior stakeholders
Sound knowledge of construction industry standards, compliance requirements, and regulatory frameworks
Additional Information
Core Behavioral Skills:
The successful candidates will possess the following characteristics:
Strong numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to investigate and interrogate data
Shows initiative and can work independently on assigned tasks
Be a team player. The team support each and work together where requirements can be simultaneous and conflicting. The ability to work with the team, agree the priorities and manage time pressures are key.
Have good interpersonal skills with ability to communicate well with all levels within the organization
Must be comfortable with working in a fast-moving, dynamic environment
Month end closing must adhere to group reporting deadlines and therefore it’s time challenging and pressurized period
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.

Department: Real estate