Project Cost Controller

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager – Quantity Survey & Estimation role involves overseeing quantity take-offs, estimates, and cost control for all interior fit-out projects. This pivotal 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). Financial discipline, transparency, and value engineering are ensured from project inception through closure.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Exclusions:

• No responsibility for project/site execution outside the QS and estimation function.