Estimating Manager - Interior Fitout / Joinery

Job description

Our client is a well-established interior fit-out specialist in the UAE, delivering high-quality interior solutions across a range of commercial and bespoke projects. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead their estimating function, oversee tendering activities, and ensure the successful preparation of competitive and commercially viable project proposals.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded professional with strong technical knowledge of interior fit‑out, exceptional analytical skills, and proven experience managing estimating teams and complex tenders within the UAE market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating and tendering function for interior fit‑out projects from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Review tender documentation, architectural drawings, specifications, bills of quantities (BOQs), and project requirements to establish accurate cost estimates.
• Develop comprehensive cost plans, budgets, and detailed estimates covering materials, labour, subcontractors, preliminaries, logistics, and project‑specific requirements.
• Coordinate with design, procurement, commercial, and project delivery teams to ensure accurate pricing and effective tender submissions.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, negotiate pricing, and identify opportunities for cost optimisation without compromising quality.
• Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions, qualifications, value engineering proposals, and commercial recommendations.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, cost databases, benchmarking tools, and pricing models relevant to the UAE interior fit‑out market.
• Assess project risks, identify potential cost exposures, and ensure appropriate allowances and contingencies are incorporated into estimates.
• Review tender submissions to ensure accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and compliance with client requirements.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently achieved.
• Support commercial negotiations, tender presentations, and handover meetings with the operations and project management teams.
• Monitor market trends, material price fluctuations, and subcontractor rates to maintain a competitive commercial position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in estimating and tendering within the interior fit‑out industry, preferably in the UAE or wider GCC.
• Previous experience in a senior estimating role, with a proven track record of managing complex interior fit‑out tenders.
• Strong understanding of interior finishes, joinery, bespoke furniture, ceilings, partitions, flooring, MEP coordination, and associated fit‑out packages.
• Excellent knowledge of BOQ preparation, quantity take‑offs, cost analysis, and tender documentation.
• Demonstrable experience managing estimating teams and coordinating with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating, measurement, and construction software.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple tenders under tight deadlines.
• A thorough understanding of UAE construction practices, supplier networks, subcontractor markets, and regional pricing structures.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a proactive and commercially astute professional who combines technical estimating expertise with strong leadership capabilities. They will have a detailed understanding of the interior fit‑out market, the confidence to challenge costs and assumptions, and the ability to lead a high‑performing team while supporting the company's wider commercial objectives.

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