Cost Planner & Benchmarking Manager

Role Overview

The Cost Planner & Benchmarking Manager will spearhead the cost planning and benchmarking activities that underpin construction and infrastructure programs. This role ensures project cost evaluations are precise, evidence-supported, and aligned with industry cost standards. The manager will promote cost-effectiveness throughout the project portfolio while supplying the Procurement and Project Development teams with vital commercial insights to facilitate informed decision-making at every phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee cost planning and benchmarking processes.
• Deliver accurate, evidence-based project cost evaluations.
• Develop and maintain strong cost standards and benchmarks.
• Champion cost optimization initiatives across all projects.
• Provide the Procurement and Project Development units with commercial intelligence to support decision stages.
• Create and manage extensive cost estimation workflows for construction and infrastructure projects.
• Draft detailed elemental cost plans encompassing labour, materials, equipment, and overhead costs precisely aligned with project requirements, RIBA stage outputs, and approved capital expenditure budgets.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers to obtain comprehensive scope information essential for accurate cost estimations.

Educational Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from a recognized institution is required. A master’s degree such as MSc in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management is advantageous.

Experience & Skills Requirements

• At least 10 years of professional experience in cost estimation, cost planning, and benchmarking within the construction sector.
• Experience with large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, or infrastructure projects is essential.
• Proven ability to deliver precise elemental cost plans over different RIBA project stages.
• Previous work experience in the UAE or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with BIM-integrated costing tools and electronic procurement or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is desirable.