Associate Cost Manager

Job description / Role

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world-class services, advisory, and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best and most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers, and find a place where they belong. Whether you have deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, or technology, or you are looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Position overview

The associate cost manager oversees the commercial aspects of a residential project, ensuring effective management of hard and soft costs, contracts, and budgets, and reporting directly to the client. This role is responsible for effective commercial management, mitigating risk, and ensuring contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The commercial manager works closely with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver projects successfully—on budget, on time, and in accordance with legal and company requirements.

What this job involves

Pre-contract responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for development projects, from initial feasibility through design phases.
• Conduct value engineering analysis and provide cost optimization recommendations.
• Review and analyze architectural and engineering drawings for cost implications.
• Develop and maintain cost databases and benchmarking data for various project types.
• Prepare feasibility studies and investment appraisals for proposed developments.
• Coordinate with design teams to ensure cost targets are achievable within project parameters.
• Conduct market analysis for construction costs, materials, and labor rates.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and forecasts for project stakeholders.
• Manage the cost management project team.

Post-contract responsibilities

• Manage tender processes, including preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis.
• Assist the client in negotiating contract value, help the team compile contract documents, and review their completeness.
• Apply knowledge of construction contracts in accordance with standard forms, including the FIDIC Red Book.
• Manage change control procedures and assess the cost impact of scope changes.
• Process and evaluate contractor payment applications and variation orders.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and validate payment claims.
• Liaise with the project team to ensure accurate project reporting.
• Support the client in handling dispute resolution and claims management throughout the construction phase.
• Ensure compliance with contract specifications and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate final account settlements and project close-out procedures.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and cost control records.

Desired skills and experience

• Experience in pre- and post-contract work on residential projects in the UAE.
• Degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field.
• RICS qualification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of consultancy experience, including at least 5 years in the UAE.

Other skills and experience

• Proficiency in cost management software and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Location: On-site, Dubai, UAE

Job tags: Build-to-rent real estate management, construction industry knowledge, consulting industry knowledge, cost analysis, data center real estate management, data center industry knowledge, life sciences industry knowledge, major renovation and fit-out project delivery, mixed-use development real estate management, project accounting, project bidding, project billing, project finances, real estate industry knowledge.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. We are interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table.

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you are pursuing.

JLL privacy notice

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally, we collect personal information to process your application as part of JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavor to keep your personal information secure with an appropriate level of security and retain it only as long as needed for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please refer to the candidate privacy statement. For additional details, see the career site pages for each country.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, including the online application or overall selection process, please contact JLL’s human resources team. This contact is only for accommodation requests. Please direct other general recruiting inquiries to JLL’s recruiting team.

About the Company

In the Middle East and North Africa, Jones Lang LaSalle is a leading player in its real estate markets including the hospitality sector. The firm has worked in over 22 Middle Eastern and North African countries and over the last year has advised clients on more than $120 billion worth of real estate, hotel and hospitality development.

We continually create value for our clients and partners by challenging conventional thinking and employing innovative investment solutions. The rapid pace of change in the region creates significant opportunities, challenges and complex decisions for investors.

Jones Lang LaSalle is recognized as having leading real estate and hospitality expertise with a leadership team that has held senior positions with some of the largest real estate developers, hospitality companies and corporate groups in the Middle East and internationally.