Senior Manager - Cost Planning & Control

About Alef Group

Alef Group pioneers in creating premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic partnerships. As part of its expansion, the group seeks a Senior Manager - Cost Planning & Control, a bilingual/native English speaker, to lead all cost planning, management, and control efforts for its real estate development projects based in Sharjah.

Role Overview

This leadership role involves spearheading the governance of cost-related activities from early feasibility through the design, procurement, construction phases, to final account settlement. The incumbent will ensure financial discipline, cost accuracy, value maximization, and commercial governance across a diverse portfolio including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage cost planning including land acquisition, feasibility studies, and business plans.
• Develop order-of-magnitude estimates, concept budgets, and benchmark-driven cost models aligned with market standards.
• Validate project feasibility by coordinating building area ratios, unit mix, and specifications to meet financial targets.
• Guide senior management on cost impacts related to design options and product positioning.
• Set and update cost benchmarks tailored to UAE market conditions across asset classes.
• Prepare and endorse master development budgets covering construction, infrastructure, consultancy fees, FF&E, contingencies, and inflation.
• Define approval hierarchies and managing change control for budgets.
• Ensure budgets align closely with approved business plans and funding requirements.
• Oversee cost control measures including accurate reporting, forecasting, early risk detection, and transparent communication to senior leadership.
• Standardize monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Manage variation approvals and ensure rigorous final account settlements.
• Coordinate with procurement to shape contracting strategies, tender evaluations, and contract negotiations ensuring budget compliance.
• Lead and supervise external cost consultants ensuring deliverables meet scope, performance KPIs, and developer standards.
• Facilitate value engineering workshops aiming for cost savings without compromising quality or asset longevity.
• Support design teams to implement cost-effective, buildable, and market-aligned solutions.
• Identify and mitigate cost-related project risks maintaining up-to-date risk registers.
• Build, lead, and mentor the internal Cost Planning & Control team, establishing standard processes and fostering accountability and commercial awareness.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or related discipline is mandatory.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of cost management experience within real estate development or consultancy, especially in the UAE or GCC markets.
• Proven senior leadership experience with comprehensive knowledge across various asset classes including residential, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality developments.

Technical and Behavioral Skills

• Expertise in advanced cost planning and feasibility analysis.
• Strong familiarity with UAE construction market dynamics and procurement procedures.
• Solid commercial and contractual knowledge pre- and post-contract phases.
• Proficiency in cost reporting, budget forecasting, and financial controls.
• Strategic thinking and sound commercial judgment with authoritative decision-making.
• Detail-oriented while able to maintain oversight of varied projects.
• Excellent communication skills to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
• Collaborative leadership with a strong governance focus promoting financial discipline and accountability across departments.