Senior Cost Manager

Role: Cost Manager / Senior Cost ManagerLocation: Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager to join our team and act as the client-side commercial lead across major development projects. The role is responsible for overseeing all commercial and cost-related matters from contract award through project close-out, ensuring robust commercial governance, cost control, risk management, and financial reporting.The successful candidate will lead and manage external consultants, including cost consultants and commercial advisors, ensuring their deliverables are accurate, aligned with project objectives, and support effective decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.This is a strategic commercial leadership role focused on oversight, governance, due diligence, and commercial management rather than traditional quantity surveying activities.Key Responsibilities:Commercial Leadership & GovernanceAct as the primary client-side commercial lead across assigned projects and contract packages.Establish and maintain commercial governance frameworks, processes, and reporting standards.Provide strategic commercial advice to senior management on cost, risk, contractual, and commercial matters.Ensure all commercial activities align with project objectives, budgets, and financial targets.Management of Cost ConsultantsLead, manage, and oversee appointed consultants, including cost consultants and other commercial advisors.Review and validate cost reports, payment certifications, variation assessments, and final accounts prepared by consultants.Challenge assumptions, ensure consistency, and drive accuracy across all consultant deliverables.Monitor consultant performance against contractual obligations, KPIs, and reporting requirements.Post-Contract Cost ControlMonitor overall project cost performance against approved budgets and business plans.Review and consolidate cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial reports.Identify cost risks and opportunities and implement mitigation strategies.Maintain oversight of commitments, expenditures, and cost-to-complete forecasts.FIDIC Contract Administration OversightSupport the administration and commercial management of FIDIC-based contracts.Oversee the application of contractual mechanisms, including:Variations and change controlPayment certificationsClaims and extensions of timeProvide commercial input on contractual correspondence and key notices.Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies in coordination with project teams.Change, Variation & Claims ManagementProvide strategic oversight on the assessment and negotiation of variations and contractor claims.Ensure all changes are commercially justified, properly instructed, and formally documented.Review entitlement, quantum, and contractual compliance of claims.Lead complex or high-value commercial negotiations when required.Commercial Due Diligence & Risk ManagementSupport commercial due diligence activities relating to design development, procurement strategies, and delivery methodologies.Assess cost implications of design changes, value engineering initiatives, and scope adjustments.Identify commercial risks across project packages and implement mitigation measures.Ensure alignment between project budgets, feasibility assumptions, and delivery costs.Financial Reporting & Stakeholder ManagementPrepare and present commercial reports to senior leadership.Provide clear insights into project financial performance, risks, opportunities, and forecasts.Collaborate with internal stakeholders including development, design, finance, legal, and project management teams.Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities as required.Final Account & Project Close-OutOversee the agreement and settlement of final accounts prepared by cost consultants.Ensure the timely and efficient commercial close-out of all contracts.Capture lessons learned, benchmarking data, and cost intelligence to support future projects.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.8-15 years of relevant experience with a developer, client-side organization, consultancy, or contractor.Demonstrated experience in post-contract commercial management of large-scale residential, mixed-use, hospitality, infrastructure, or master-planned developments.Proven track record managing and overseeing external cost consultants.Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts and construction industry best practices.Experience managing claims, variations, and final account negotiations.Experience working within the UAE or GCC region is highly desirable.Key CompetenciesStrong commercial leadership and strategic thinking.Excellent understanding of commercial processes, contract administration, and risk management.Advanced analytical and financial management skills.Confident in challenging consultants and contractors constructively.Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.Ability to balance strategic oversight with detailed commercial analysis.Excellent communication, presentation, and reporting skills.Experience engaging with local authorities and regulatory bodies.Understanding of permitting, approvals, compliance requirements, and the associated commercial implications.Preferred QualificationsMRICS or equivalent professional accreditation.Experience working on large-scale developments within the UAE or GCC region.Experience delivering master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, hospitality projects, or infrastructure-led developments.Experience working in a client-side or developer environment.Why Join This Role?This is not a traditional Quantity Surveying position.The successful candidate will act as:A strategic commercial leader protecting project value and commercial interests.A manager of consultants rather than a producer of measurements and take-offs.A commercial advisor focused on due diligence, validation, governance, risk management, and strategic oversight.A trusted partner supporting key commercial and financial decisions throughout project delivery.