Senior Cost Manager

About the role

The Senior Cost Manager will lead financial governance, commercial strategy and cost management across all phases of large‑scale construction projects. You will safeguard margins, drive value engineering and provide strategic financial counsel to executive leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Direct financial control across project portfolios, establishing cost baselines, contingencies, risk allowances and inflation models.
• Provide strategic advice on macro‑economic trends, cost forecasting, escalation risks and market fluctuations.
• Formulate and manage advanced cash‑flow models aligned with development and procurement schedules.
• Oversee high‑value variation evaluations, claims management and commercial negotiations under FIDIC contracts.
• Review and authorize Interim Payment Certificates and final accounts to prevent over‑payment.
• Enforce compliance in quantity take‑off and Bill of Quantities compilation using standards such as POMI, CESSM and NRM.
• Lead multidisciplinary Value Engineering workshops to maximise efficiency and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Synthesise financial data into executive dashboards and performance reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil/Construction Engineering or related field.
• Professional chartership or certification (e.g., MRICS, RICS) preferred.
• 10‑12+ years progressive experience in commercial management and cost control on tier‑1 construction or real‑estate projects.
• Proven track record managing multi‑million‑dollar portfolios and leading commercial teams.
• Deep expertise in FIDIC Red, Yellow and Silver books and advanced contract administration.
• Current knowledge of regional market pricing, supply‑chain dynamics and trade rates.
• Mastery of standard measurement methods (POMI, CESSM, NRM).
• Advanced financial modelling and complex cash‑flow structuring capability.

Required skills

• Advanced MS Excel (financial modelling)
• CostX
• Candy
• SAP or Primavera Unifier ERP systems
• FIDIC contract administration
• POMI, CESSM and NRM measurement methods
• Financial modelling and cash‑flow analysis