Job Summary
A Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimation Engineer is responsible for leading the cost estimation, quantity surveying, tendering, and commercial evaluation processes for construction projects. The role ensures accurate pricing, competitive bid submissions, effective cost control, and value engineering to maximize project profitability and business growth.
The position plays a strategic role in analyzing tender documents, preparing Bills of Quantities (BOQs), evaluating subcontractor quotations, identifying project risks, and supporting management in commercial decision-making.
Typically reports to the Commercial Manager, Tender Manager, or General Manager.
Job Description
The Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimation Engineer manages the complete tendering and estimating cycle, from reviewing Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents through bid submission and post-tender negotiations.
This role requires extensive knowledge of UAE construction practices, cost planning, quantity surveying, contract administration, procurement strategies, and value engineering principles.
Core Responsibilities
1. Tender Review & Analysis
- Review Invitation to Tender (ITT) and Invitation to Bid (ITB) documents.
- Analyze drawings, specifications, BOQs, and contract conditions.
- Identify project scope, risks, and commercial requirements.
- Prepare tender queries and clarifications.
- Evaluate project feasibility and pricing strategy.
2. Quantity Take-Off & Cost Estimation
- Prepare accurate quantity take-offs from drawings.
- Develop detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQs).
- Estimate material, labor, plant, and equipment costs.
- Calculate direct and indirect project costs.
- Verify cost assumptions and estimate accuracy.
3. Tender Preparation & Bid Submission
- Prepare commercial and technical proposals.
- Ensure compliance with tender requirements.
- Coordinate with technical and procurement departments.
- Compile and finalize tender submission documents.
- Ensure bids are submitted within the required deadlines.
4. Vendor & Subcontractor Management
- Float inquiries to suppliers and subcontractors.
- Evaluate quotations for technical and commercial compliance.
- Negotiate prices and commercial terms.
- Develop and maintain subcontractor and supplier databases.
- Recommend best-value procurement solutions.
5. Cost Planning & Value Engineering
- Conduct value engineering studies.
- Develop cost-saving alternatives without affecting quality.
- Optimize design solutions for commercial benefit.
- Analyze cost trends and market conditions.
- Support project profitability initiatives.
6. Risk Analysis & Commercial Evaluation
- Identify commercial and contractual risks.
- Price project risks and contingencies.
- Evaluate productivity and market fluctuations.
- Support claim and variation cost assessments.
- Recommend mitigation strategies for commercial exposure.
7. Coordination & Communication
- Coordinate with design, procurement, and project teams.
- Liaise with consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Attend tender and commercial meetings.
- Support management with commercial advice.
- Provide technical and financial reports when required.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of quantity surveying and estimation principles
- Excellent understanding of UAE construction market and pricing
- Ability to prepare and verify BOQs and quantity take-offs
- Knowledge of FIDIC and construction contracts
- Strong cost analysis and value engineering skills
- Experience in tendering and bid management
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Excel, and estimation software
- Strong analytical and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- High attention to detail and commercial awareness
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying.
Experience
- 7–15 years of experience in Quantity Surveying and Estimation.
- Minimum 5 years of UAE/GCC experience.
- Experience in large-scale building and infrastructure projects.
Preferred Background
- Government Engineering Universities.
- Previous GCC experience.
- Experience with international construction companies.
- Experience with major regional contractors.
Professional Certifications (Preferred)
- RICS Membership.
- MRICS / Chartered Surveyor.
- PMP Certification.
- Postgraduate Degree in Construction Management or Commercial Management.
Reporting Structure Example
General Manager / Commercial Manager
→ Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimation Engineer
→ Quantity Surveyor
→ Assistant Quantity Surveyor
→ Estimation Support Staff
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Tender success (award) rate
- Accuracy of cost estimates
- BOQ preparation accuracy
- Profit margin achievement
- Variation recovery rate
- Timely submission of tenders
- Cost variance between estimate and actual
- Value engineering savings achieved
- Subcontractor quotation evaluation efficiency
- Commercial risk identification and mitigation effectiveness
Recommended Candidate Profile
- Government Engineering Colleges.
- Previous GCC experience.
- International construction company background.
-
Experience with major regional contractors such as:
- Hassan Allam
- Orascom Construction
- Arab Contractors
- CCC
- ALEC
- ACC