Lead Quantity Surveyor

Quality/Quantity Surveying Industry

Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Cost Estimation & BOQs – Oversee preparation and review of Bills of Quantities and accurate cost estimates for main tenders and project phases.
  • Commercial Management – Manage cost control, variations, valuations, and cash flow reporting throughout project lifecycles on time and within agreed standards.
  • Contract & Claims Oversight – Support contract negotiation, manage change orders, and ensure cost claims are agreed fairly with stakeholders.
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring – Guide junior QS staff, allocate tasks, review work quality, and ensure consistent procedures are followed.
  • Coordination with Project Teams – Work closely with engineering, procurement, and site teams to align cost outputs with project requirements.
  • Supplier & Contractor Engagement – Liaise with contractors and suppliers for price proposals, unit rates, and commercial clarifications.
  • Reporting & Documentation Control – Prepare and present cost reports, maintain clear records of estimates, changes, and archived data.

Requirements

  • Experience – At least 8+ years in quantity surveying with progressive responsibility on major construction or infrastructure projects.
  • Education – Bachelor’s in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or related field; professional accreditation preferred.
  • Technical Competence – Skilled in QS tools (AutoCAD, CostX, PlanSwift) and advanced Excel for measurement and cost tasks.
  • Project Controls – Proven ability to implement cost control systems and forecast financial outcomes reliably.
  • Leadership – Strong team management, task delegation, and mentoring skills to drive performance.
  • Commercial Acumen – Deep understanding of UAE contracts, budgeting, negotiation, and local construction cost dynamics.

FAQs

What experience level is required?

Lead roles usually require 8+ years of QS experience in construction, showing cost leadership.

Which certifications help?

MRICS or equivalent professional accreditation is highly valued but not always mandatory.

Do I need UAE experience?

Yes — local market and contract familiarity are important for success here.

What software should I know?

Common tools include AutoCAD, CostX, PlanSwift, and strong Excel skills.

Is this office or site based?

Work is split between office cost planning and site cost verification visits.

Will I lead a team?

Yes — guiding junior QS staff is a core part of this role.