Director of Cost Management

Roles and responsibilities

The Associate Director will be responsible for leading and managing delivery of Commercial and Cost Management services of Major High-End Residential and Commercial Projects both in Pre-Contract and Post-Contract stages.

The Associate Director will provide a comprehensive, accurate and value driven service for Clients. He/ She will also be responsible for direct reports and provide support and supervision. Will be Client focused and lead project teams and/or provide advisory services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of professionals and specialists for successful delivery of cost and commercial management services.
• Achieve the highest standards of professional competence, maintain and develop good relationships with clients, take every opportunity to uphold and increase the profile of the firm as a provider of professional, premium quality services to the construction industry.

Specific skills required

• Good understanding of preparing cost plans to elemental detail (NRM, POMI)
• Through understanding of Conditions of Contract and contractual issues
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to provide specialist services in support of project requirements
• Independently performs highly complex professional assignments
• Able to present to Clients and senior industry professionals
• Familiar with Cost X software or other cost planning software

Person Specification (Personality Attributes)

• A qualified professional who can manage and coordinate specialist activities of a moderately sized team
• Pro-active and adaptable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Committed to maintaining a high standards and accuracy of work with attention to detail
• Be decisive - Know how to prioritize, advocate focus and accountability
• Be impactful - Use clear and frequent communications, drive execution and results.
• Be client-focused - Be collaborative, innovative and strategic.
• Be the role model - Lead by example, demand excellence, maintain safety and integrity as top priorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years' experience since obtaining maximum educational qualification.
• Experience of working in GCC, ideally in major consultancies and major high-end residential and commercial projects.
• MRICS qualified

Desired candidate profile

1. Cost Estimation and Budgeting

• Cost Planning: Developing and managing detailed cost estimates, budgets, and financial forecasts for projects or business units.
• Cost Control: Monitoring and controlling project costs, identifying cost overruns, and implementing corrective actions to ensure budgets are adhered to.
• Value Engineering: Assessing cost-effective methods to optimize project or operational expenditures while maintaining quality and performance.

2. Project and Program Financial Management

• Financial Oversight: Providing financial leadership and oversight across projects, ensuring all cost-related aspects are appropriately managed and reported.
• Risk Management: Identifying financial risks during the project lifecycle and recommending strategies to mitigate those risks, ensuring projects remain within budget.
• Financial Reporting: Preparing and presenting regular cost reports, variance analysis, and financial summaries to senior leadership, stakeholders, and clients.

3. Contract and Procurement Management

• Contract Analysis: Reviewing and negotiating contract terms to ensure that cost and financial management requirements are clearly defined and adhered to.
• Procurement Strategy: Developing cost-effective procurement strategies, working with procurement teams to ensure the best value is achieved for goods and services required for projects.
• Subcontractor and Vendor Management: Managing relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers, ensuring their services and materials are provided within the agreed budget.

4. Leadership and Team Management

• Team Leadership: Leading and mentoring a team of cost management professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure best practices are followed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with project managers, engineers, and other departments to ensure that cost management strategies are integrated into the overall project planning and execution process.
• Stakeholder Management: Communicating cost-related issues and updates to key stakeholders, including senior executives, clients, and team members.

5. Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conducting cost-benefit analyses to evaluate potential financial decisions and recommend the best course of action for project and operational success.
• Financial Forecasting: Providing accurate financial forecasts based on historical data and trends, ensuring stakeholders are aware of potential financial outcomes.
• Variance Analysis: Analyzing budget vs. actual financial performance, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.

6. Technology and Systems Proficiency

• Cost Management Software: Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools for cost estimation, budgeting, and financial tracking (e.g., Procore, Oracle Primavera, Microsoft Project, or CostX).
• ERP Systems: Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that integrate financial data across departments and streamline cost management processes.
• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) for financial analysis and reporting.