Lead Estimator (Oil and Gas / International Projects)
Location: UAE or Qatar
Employment Type: Permanent

Overview
An opportunity is available for an experienced Lead Estimator to support major international energy and infrastructure projects across the Middle East. This role involves leading cost estimating activities across FEED, EPCm, and EPC phases, ensuring accurate, competitive, and high-quality estimates aligned with project and business objectives.

You will provide technical leadership to estimating teams while working closely with engineering, project management, and commercial stakeholders to support successful project delivery and bid development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all estimating activities across multiple projects and phases
• Develop and deliver Class 1 to Class 5 cost estimates in line with industry frameworks
• Prepare Estimate Development Plans (EDP) and Estimate Basis Memoranda (EBM)
• Translate engineering deliverables into Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and Material Take-Offs (MTO)
• Develop Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimates covering full project lifecycle
• Perform cost risk, sensitivity, and scenario analysis
• Link risk registers to cost exposure and contingency planning
• Benchmark estimates using internal data and market intelligence
• Support bid preparation, commercial evaluation, and client negotiations
• Interface with vendors and subcontractors to validate pricing and obtain quotations
• Lead and facilitate cost and risk workshops
• Mentor and develop junior estimators
• Ensure regional market conditions and productivity factors are reflected in estimates

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cost estimating methodologies and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
• Experience with probabilistic cost analysis and risk modelling
• Experience across onshore and offshore facilities, including pipelines, process plants, and infrastructure
• Familiarity with Middle East market conditions and supply chains
• Proficiency in estimating tools, cost databases, and advanced Excel modelling
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and develop quantity take-offs

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline
• Minimum 12 years of experience in cost estimating within oil and gas or energy sectors
• Minimum 4 years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong experience across FEED, EPCm, and EPC project phases
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with major Middle East operators or similar large-scale clients
• AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or equivalent certification

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work on major international energy projects
• Exposure to complex, high-value programmes
• Collaborative and technically driven environment