Senior Cost Planner & Benchmarking Manager

Senior Cost Planner & Benchmarking Manager to lead cost planning and benchmarking functions in support of construction and infrastructure programme, ensuring accurate and evidence-based project cost assessments, establishing robust cost standards, and driving cost efficiency across the full project portfolio. The role is pivotal in equipping the Procurement and Project Development teams with the commercial intelligence needed to make informed decisions at each stage gate.

About the Role

Develop and manage comprehensive cost estimation processes for all construction and infrastructure projects; prepare detailed elemental cost plans covering labour, materials, equipment, and overheads aligned to project specifications, RIBA stage outputs, and approved CAPEX budgets; collaborate with project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers to gather scope information necessary for accurate assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning and benchmarking functions.
• Ensure accurate and evidence-based project cost assessments.
• Establish robust cost standards.
• Drive cost efficiency across the full project portfolio.
• Equip Procurement and Project Development teams with commercial intelligence.
• Develop and manage comprehensive cost estimation processes.
• Prepare detailed elemental cost plans.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline from a reputable institution. Master's degree (MSc Quantity Surveying, MSc Construction Management, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Required Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in cost estimation, cost planning, and benchmarking within the construction industry, with a focus on large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, or infrastructure projects. Proven track record of delivering accurate elemental cost plans across multiple RIBA stages. UAE or GCC experience is strongly preferred. Experience with BIM-integrated cost tools and e-procurement/ERP systems is desirable.