Cost Estimator Position

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager to lead our quantity survey and estimation team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil engineering, quantity surveying, or construction management, with at least 14 years of experience in commercial fit-out/interior projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the preparation of detailed quantity take-offs and estimates for all civil, interior, MEP, and specialized fit-out packages. They will provide timely budget estimates and cost advice for every project during design development stage.

A key aspect of this role is the ability to analyze and justify variance in bills versus estimate or contract scope; coordinate with project and billing teams for resolution. Additionally, the candidate will 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).

This position requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work closely with design, MEP, billing, procurement, and site teams to ensure complete and aligned cost management across project phases.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of market rates, contractor billing, and material specifications. They will also be proficient with estimation, QS, and tendering software (e.g., MS Excel, AutoCAD and ERP tools).

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.
• 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:

• Not authorized to approve payments independently or finalize contracts without AVP/management review.
• No responsibility for project/site execution outside the QS and estimation function.