Senior Cost Planner

Job Opportunity: Senior Manager - Quantity Survey & Estimation

The role of the Senior Manager – Quantity Survey & Estimation is crucial for overseeing quantity take-offs, estimates, and cost control for all interior fit-out projects. This position provides budgetary guidance, justifies bill/variation claims, develops and manages the item master with accurate rate analysis, negotiates with vendors, and ensures all deliverables are completed within project timelines (TAT).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quantity Survey & Estimation

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and estimates for all civil, interior, MEP, and specialized fit-out packages.

• Provide timely budget estimates and cost advice for every project during design development stage.

• Review project drawings, specifications, and site conditions to ensure accuracy in quantity computation.

• Analyze and justify variance in bills versus estimate or contract scope; coordinate with project and billing teams for resolution.

2. Rate Analysis & Item Master Management

• Develop, maintain, and periodically update an item master for all materials, BOQ items, and fit-out services with detailed rate analysis (labor, material, overheads, statutory taxes).

• Research and benchmark market rates to keep analyses current and competitive.

• Ensure the item master is used as the basis for tendering, cost control, and contract finalization.

3. Vendor Negotiation & Value Engineering

• Support tendering, bid evaluation, and negotiation with vendors, contractors, and suppliers to optimize project costs and value.

• Liaise with procurement for technical and commercial clarifications and to ensure fair evaluation and award.

• Identify and evaluate value engineering opportunities in collaboration with the Design and MEP teams.

4. Billing Support & Variation Management

• Review and validate contractor/subcontractor bills/claims, identifying deviations from contract and budget.

• Prepare justification notes for all bill variances and support timely closure of commercial issues.

• Advise project teams on cost implications of design/material changes and site directives.

5. Reporting & TAT Compliance

• Adhere to project schedules and ensure all estimation/costing deliverables meet agreed turnaround times (TAT).

• Provide periodic cost reports, variation logs, and estimation dashboards to AVP – Design and management.

6. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with design, MEP, billing, procurement, and site teams to ensure complete and aligned cost management across project phases.

• Participate in project meetings and provide commercial insights as required.

7. Documentation & Process Improvement

• Maintain organized records of all estimates, rate analyses, item masters, and negotiation summaries.

• Continuously review and enhance QS and estimation processes for accuracy, speed, and transparency.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field.

• 14+ years' experience in quantity surveying and estimation for commercial fit-out/interior projects (with at least 5 years in a senior role).

• Proficient with estimation, QS, and tendering software (e.g., MS Excel, AutoCAD and ERP tools).

• Sound understanding of market rates, contractor billing, and material specifications.

Key Skills:

• Advanced quantity take-off and estimation.

• Rate analysis and item master management.

• Cost and budget reporting.

• Vendor negotiation and commercial evaluation.

• Billing review & variation management.

• Cross-team collaboration.

• Process documentation and compliance.

• Attention to detail and deadline management.