About the Role
The Manager – Cost Engineering will be responsible for the end‑to‑end cost management and reporting of the Fujairah Expansion Project within the Ports & Maritime Programme Development department. This role encompasses estimating, budgeting, cost control, change and claims management, forecasting, and project close‑out for marine, terminal, and supporting infrastructure works, ensuring financial performance aligns with strategic objectives.
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Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and update cost management strategies for the Fujairah Expansion Project, covering marine works (dredging, reclamation, quay walls, breakwaters), terminal yards, buildings, utilities, and port equipment.
- Manage cost estimation rates and inflationary indexes, collaborate with project owners to create a realistic project budget, and monitor project activities’ compliance in accordance with Ports Cluster goals and objectives.
- Assess contingency application and expenditure across the project's work packages and contracts.
- Oversee the assessment of variations and contractor claims under FIDIC-based contracts and support their negotiation and settlement.
- Conduct in-depth cost data analysis and complete statistical, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive studies.
- Study and implement the necessary changes to current processes, procedures, and governance to align with the Ports Cluster's evolving goals and requirements.
- Evaluate and validate project risks, budget constraints, and cost-saving opportunities across the project, and provide recommendations on control measures to enhance efficiency.
- Prepare reports and presentations to the Director – Ports & Maritime Programme Engineering and Ports Cluster leadership on the cost performance of the Fujairah Expansion Project.
- Monitor cost control and performance KPIs (including earned value, cash flow, and forecast at completion) across the project and examine any areas of concern or potential areas for improvement.
- Manage cost interfaces with the procurement, planning, and contracts teams, including tender evaluations, cost-to-complete forecasts, and monthly cost reports.
- Conduct a benchmark to study market best practices and industry trends concerning port and marine infrastructure cost management.
People Management Responsibilities:
- Lead awareness campaigns and training regimes on cost management governance related issues.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the team for all CAPEX cost control-related governance and compliance matters.
- Provide strong and visionary leadership, supervision, and guidance to the team, setting clear expectations and creating a culture of accountability.
- Foster a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork among team members to maximize their collective potential.
Strategic Responsibilities:
- Manage excellence within the division and lead continuous improvement and innovation.
- Develop policies, standards, and guidelines on CAPEX projects and programmes and ensure compliance of implementation.
- Identify future digital and innovative trends and practices associated with the delivery of the project and implement new technologies and practices.
- Act as a strategic advisor to the leadership team on port project cost management best practices and trends.
Qualifications
Educational and Technical Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus. Professional certification (e.g., RICS, AACE CCP) is preferred.
Language Skills:
- Excellent English. Arabic is an added advantage.
Years of Experience:
- A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in a similar role, including at least 5 years on port, marine, or major infrastructure projects.
Nature of Experience:
- Proven experience in delivering port, marine, and infrastructure engineering and construction projects.
- Experience in a senior leadership position.
- Managed cost control of multi-project programmes in complex environments and stakeholders.
- Experience in leading large, multi-disciplined project controls teams.
- Direct interaction with various boards and senior management on a regular basis.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify and address complex challenges and opportunities and make data-driven decisions.
- Exceptional organizational skills, comfortable with ambiguity, able to deal with high complexity situations, keen on detail but mindful of the bigger picture.
- Experience in project management, including the ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects from concept to implementation.
- Sound knowledge of FIDIC conditions of contract and cost drivers for dredging, reclamation, quay wall, and terminal construction works.
Key Interactions
Key Internal Contacts:
- Fujairah Expansion Project Team, Ports Cluster Engineering, Procurement & Finance.
Key External Contacts:
- Consultants & Contractors, Government & Fujairah Port Authority Stakeholders.
Leadership Competencies Required for the Role
- Customer Focus.
- Mental Agility.
- Drive Performance.
- Adaptability.
- Courage.
- Inspire.
