Assistant Director - Estimation

Job Purpose

The job holder will lead and manage all activities within the Estimation Department, serving as the primary interface between DHRE, DHI and the design hub on all projects involving multiple DH verticals. Oversee the costing of all types of construction works for project launches in co-ordination with respective Stake holders, initiate Value Engineering to optimize cost and strive best to achieve the Client’s Target Budget and Project brief.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide management with accurate cost estimates, benchmarking data, and cost comparisons to support informed decision-making for project launches.
• Oversee the estimation and costing of diverse construction projects (high/medium/low-rise buildings, infrastructure, marine works, enabling works, etc.),  inclusive of Hard costs, Soft costs, Authorities fees for all relevant Design stages and issue High-Level Cost Estimates to stakeholders (design, engineering, project delivery, infra and other support services, Client’s Development/ sales) with best development/construction costs in accordance with the Client brief to run their feasibility studies on.
• Provide strategic cost advice to assess the feasibility of multi-vertical projects, emphasizing value creation and long-term business profitability.
• Organize and lead cost review meetings with stakeholders, identifying value engineering opportunities to optimize design, systems, and scope, capturing savings to meet client budgets.
• Monitor market trends and advise on potential impacts on construction pricing, including risks of cost escalation, to safeguard client budgets.
• Collaborate with cost consultants during pre-contract stages to review cost plans, address discrepancies, and mitigate cost overruns through value engineering and cost reduction strategies.
• Liaise with clients' development teams and internal stakeholders (design, engineering, project delivery, infrastructure, and other support services) to create accurate cost estimates based on available data.
• Maintain robust relationships with the supply chain, enabling effective market testing to validate cost estimates. Capture live cost data for key construction components, analyze vendor proposals, and negotiate optimized solutions
• Act as a representative for DHRE with professional accreditation bodies, regional offices, and forums, advocating for the organization’s interests.

Qualifications, Experiences, Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering/ Quantity Surveying; Master’s degree preferred
• Professional certification in Quantity Surveying (MRICS) or equivalent will be advantageous.
• Understanding of local and international construction standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with developing and utilizing AI-powered tools, on-screen takeoff systems, and software for enhanced efficiency and accuracy in cost estimation.
• Minimum of 15+ years’ experience with at least 5 years in a senior managerial position.

Job Specific Skills:

• Cost Estimation Expertise - Well versed in COST-X system/software or equivalent, MS office suite ;  ERP system
• Understanding of Construction Technology
• Knowledgeable on Value Engineering and Leading Value Management Workshops