Sr. Estimator - United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi Airports

Description

The Senior Estimator – Civil & Structural is responsible for overseeing and maintaining industry best practices in cost planning and estimating across the project delivery team. The role provides direction and guidance to the cost planning and estimating function, audits estimating processes and deliverables, and supports consultancy services including in-house CP&C consultants. Working as part of an integrated commercial team, the Senior Estimator provides subject matter expertise on specialist airport systems, contract rates, and UAE construction market conditions to support accurate cost planning, tendering, and commercial decision-making.

Responsibilities

General

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance on audit and assurance of cost planning and estimating submissions across all third-party services.
• Support the Head of Estimating and undertake program control tasks as required.
• Review, assess, and provide final recommendations or approvals for contractor cost estimates prepared by construction management agencies or third-party consultants.
• Provide subject matter expertise on pricing structures, rate build-ups, overheads, profit margins, and market trends within the UAE construction market.
• Review and reconcile variation cost estimates submitted by third-party consultants or internal CP&C teams.
• Review variation costs, recommend negotiation strategies, and participate directly in commercial negotiations when required.
• Prepare conceptual reports and recommendation findings in support of claims and variation submissions.

Estimation

• Establish, implement, and continuously improve estimating best practices.
• Review and finalize project cost estimates prepared by estimators, including quantities, materials, equipment, and manpower during the tender phase.
• Finalize estimates for all direct and indirect costs and consolidate Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for tender documentation.
• Advise on bidding strategies, project selection, and estimating techniques.
• Coordinate with estimating and planning engineers to resolve design or system conflicts and align overall scope during the proposal phase.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Review final estimate packages for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and corporate or client presentations as required.
• Ensure historical cost data is documented, archived, and maintained for future reference.
• Maintain databases of standard material costs, benchmark pricing, and market pricing models.
• Perform additional duties related to the role as required.

Requirements and Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• MRICS certification is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar senior estimating role.
• At least 5 years' experience on large-scale construction projects; aviation project experience is preferred.
• Proven experience administering large infrastructure contracts.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of design and construction methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of local UAE market rates and cost structures.
• Proven experience using industry-standard measurement and cost systems such as CESSM, POMI, SMM, and NRM.
• Strong expertise in cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and commercial judgment.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.