Cost Consultant

Roles and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in Cost Measurements: Measure quantities to contribute to cost plans, estimates, and project budgets.
• Participate in Cost Control: Learn to implement and monitor cost control processes to keep projects on track.
• Evaluate Project Changes: Assist in assessing project changes and updating monthly cost reports.
• Support Contract Negotiations: Help prepare and negotiate change orders with clients and contractors.

What We Offer

• Hands-on Experience: You’ll work directly on live projects, gaining practical knowledge and industry insight.
• Guidance and Growth: While you’ll take on responsibilities, you’ll also have the support and mentorship of our senior surveyors.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside professionals and gain confidence working both independently and as part of a team.

If you’re looking to grow your skills and start building a career in project costing, apply now!

Qualifications

• Education: Candidates must be actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Academic Status : Applicants should be on track to graduate in 2025 or 2026. Recent graduates (2023/2024) seeking short-term work placement for professional experience may also be considered.
• Start Date: Jan 2025
• Duration : 1-3 months, depending on individual preferences and project requirements. (can be extended if required)
• Eligibility: As part of AECOM’s commitment to Emiratisation and in compliance with UAE labor law, only UAE Nationals with a family book will be considered for this role.

Desired candidate profile

1. Understanding of Cost Estimation

• Learn how to estimate the costs of projects, including labor, materials, and overhead.
• Familiarity with cost estimation software tools or methods like RSMeans or CostX.
• Understanding the differences between direct costs (e.g., materials) and indirect costs (e.g., overhead).

2. Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Ability to assist in analyzing cost data, calculating margins, and performing cost-benefit analysis.
• Developing financial reports, summarizing findings, and providing recommendations to senior consultants.
• Understanding how to track and compare project costs to budgets and forecasts.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support in preparing and monitoring project budgets.
• Assist in forecasting future costs based on past data, trends, and industry standards.
• Learn how to adjust forecasts based on changing project conditions.

4. Project Management Skills

• Understanding the lifecycle of a project and the role cost consulting plays at different stages (planning, execution, and completion).
• Exposure to project management tools and methodologies, such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Learning how to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a project environment.

5. Knowledge of Contracting and Procurement

• Gaining insight into how contracts are structured, including fixed-price, time-and-materials, or cost-plus agreements.
• Exposure to procurement processes, such as sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotes, and analyzing vendor contracts.
• Understanding how different contracting methods impact cost structures and project budgets.

6. Industry-Specific Knowledge

• Understanding the industry in which you are consulting (e.g., construction, infrastructure, engineering, or energy).
• Familiarity with pricing trends, industry benchmarks, and cost drivers specific to the sector.
• Gaining an understanding of materials costs, labor rates, and equipment costs in your industry.

7. Attention to Detail

• Reviewing project documents (like contracts, drawings, and specifications) to ensure cost estimates are accurate and aligned with client expectations.
• Ensuring that no detail is overlooked during data collection or reporting.