Manager - Cost Engineering

Role overview

Core responsibilities

• Develop cost management strategies for marine works, terminal yards, buildings, utilities, and port equipment.
• Manage estimation rates and inflation indexes, support project budgeting, and assess contingency expenditure.
• Assess variations and contractor claims under FIDIC-based contracts and support negotiation and settlement.
• Analyze cost data and update processes, procedures, and governance.
• Evaluate risks, budget constraints, and cost-saving opportunities; recommend controls.
• Report project cost performance and monitor earned value, cash flow, forecast at completion, and other KPIs.
• Coordinate tender evaluations, cost-to-complete forecasts, and monthly cost reports with procurement, planning, and contracts teams.
• Benchmark port and marine cost-management practices and industry trends.

Leadership and strategic duties

• Lead cost-governance awareness and training, guide the team on CAPEX cost-control compliance, and foster accountability and collaboration.
• Develop CAPEX policies, standards, and guidelines; lead continuous improvement and innovation.
• Identify and implement relevant digital trends and technologies and advise leadership on port project cost-management practices.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field; a master's degree is a plus.
• At least 12–15 years in a similar role, including at least 5 years on port, marine, or major infrastructure projects.
• Experience delivering port, marine, and infrastructure projects; senior leadership; multi-project cost control; and management of multidisciplinary project controls teams.
• Project management experience from concept through implementation.
• Sound knowledge of FIDIC conditions and cost drivers for dredging, reclamation, quay walls, and terminal construction.
• RICS or AACE CCP certification is preferred.

Languages and competencies

• Excellent English is required; Arabic is an added advantage.
• The role calls for problem-solving, critical thinking, organization, adaptability, customer focus, performance drive, mental agility, and leadership.

Key interactions