Senior Manager – Cost Estimation

About Modon

Modon is an international holding company based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The business operates at the leading edge of urban innovation, delivering standout designs and experiences that aim to consistently exceed expectations. Its core areas include real estate, hospitality, asset management, investments, events, and tourism, with a focus on creating long-term sustainable value and enabling intelligent, connected living.

Role Purpose

This position is accountable for steering the estimation and budgeting workstream for major real estate developments. The role focuses on producing dependable cost forecasts, keeping project budgets aligned with broader business objectives, supporting financial decisions, managing cost-related risks, and improving how resources are allocated across projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Create and roll out structured cost-estimation methods for real estate projects, making sure they are accurate and aligned with company objectives.
• Lead the development of estimates across every project stage, beginning at pre-concept and continuing through execution.
• Refine estimation workflows on an ongoing basis to improve speed, consistency, and accuracy across all projects.
• Partner with project management teams to build detailed budgets from approved estimates.
• Deliver forecasting input and financial analysis to guide decisions during planning and delivery.
• Track project spending throughout the lifecycle and revise forecasts when needed to keep budgets on course.
• Spot cost risks such as price fluctuations, material inflation, and unexpected scope changes.
• Design mitigation approaches, including contingencies and value-engineering measures, to reduce financial exposure.
• Refresh risk reviews regularly in line with project progress and changing market conditions.
• Coordinate with procurement teams to assess vendor and contractor bids against estimate baselines.
• Confirm that contractor pricing fits the budget and meets quality expectations.
• Monitor contractor performance to support cost discipline and compliance with agreed budgets.
• Prepare and present detailed cost updates, forecasts, and management insights.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to maintain clarity and alignment on financial expectations.
• Run cost-estimation meetings and respond to questions so all parties understand the commercial position.
• Study historical project data and market movement to improve estimation methods.
• Introduce process enhancements that strengthen the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of estimating.
• Compare estimates with market benchmarks and update models accordingly.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, civil engineering, construction management, or another closely related discipline. A master’s degree, such as an MBA, is preferred. Professional credentials like PMP or MRICS are also favored. The role requires 10 to 13 years of experience in cost estimation, budgeting, or quantity surveying, specifically within real estate or construction.

Key Competencies

• Advanced capability in producing detailed estimates for complex real estate developments.
• Strong command over building comprehensive cost plans from concept stage through final delivery.
• Ability to interpret project data, pricing trends, and market conditions to sharpen estimates.
• Solid financial planning skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and value engineering.
• Experience in identifying cost exposure and applying practical mitigation measures.
• Problem-solving strength to handle budget overruns and other financial challenges.
• Ability to work effectively with procurement teams, vendors, and contractors on pricing and commercial terms.
• Confident reporting and presentation skills for communicating with senior stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.

No salary or stipend details were provided.