Manager - Cost Engineering

Role overview

Cost management and project delivery

• Develop cost strategies for marine works, terminal yards, buildings, utilities, and port equipment.
• Manage estimating rates and inflation indexes, support realistic project budgets, and assess contingency use across work packages.
• Assess variations and contractor claims under FIDIC-based contracts and support negotiation and settlement.
• Analyze cost data, evaluate risks and savings, and recommend controls to improve efficiency.
• Monitor earned value, cash flow, forecast at completion, and other cost performance KPIs.
• Coordinate with procurement, planning, and contracts teams on tender evaluations, cost-to-complete forecasts, and monthly reports.
• Prepare cost-performance reports for programme and Ports Cluster leadership; benchmark industry practices.

Leadership and strategy

• Lead cost-governance awareness and training and guide the team on CAPEX cost control and compliance.
• Provide team leadership, set expectations, and foster accountability and collaboration.
• Lead continuous improvement; develop CAPEX policies, standards, and guidelines and support their implementation.
• Identify and implement relevant digital and innovative practices; advise leadership on port project cost-management trends.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field; a master’s degree is a plus.
• RICS or AACE CCP certification is preferred.
• Excellent English is required; Arabic is an added advantage.
• 12–15 years in a similar role, including at least 5 years on port, marine, or major infrastructure projects.
• Experience delivering infrastructure projects, leading teams, managing complex multi-project cost control, and engaging senior management.
• Experience planning and overseeing projects from concept to implementation; knowledge of FIDIC and cost drivers for dredging, reclamation, quay walls, and terminal construction.

Key interactions and competencies