Head of Cost Estimating
Location: Ras Laffan, Qatar (Onshore)
Contract Duration: 36 months (extendable)
Start Date: ASAP
Work Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, 6 days per week, 26 days per month
Rotation:
- Single status: 12 weeks on / 2 weeks off
- Married status: Residential
Role Overview
Senior leadership position responsible for cost estimating strategy, cost control governance, forecasting, and financial stewardship across major onshore oil & gas FEED and EPC projects. The role ensures cost accuracy, robust benchmarking, and effective project cost performance management across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cost estimating, forecasting, cost control, allocation, reporting, and stewardship across major projects
- Develop and maintain cost estimation models across all project phases (Class 1-5 estimates)
- Lead development of CAPEX/OPEX estimates, TIC methodology, unit rates, WBS structures, and price schedules
- Conduct cost risk analysis and probabilistic contingency assessments
- Develop and maintain benchmarking databases (cost, productivity, manhours, etc.)
- Prepare Work Program and Budget (WP&B) and ensure alignment with approved scope and forecasts
- Evaluate and challenge EPC contractor change orders, variations, and claims
- Monitor contractor cost performance including Earned Value Analysis (EVA), VOWD, and trend reporting
- Provide early warning on cost risks and support mitigation and recovery planning
- Verify project commitments against approved budgets and ensure governance compliance
- Support EPC tender evaluations including technical and commercial bid assessments
- Develop internal cost reporting systems ensuring data integrity and consistency
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
- Certified Cost Engineer (AACE) preferred
Experience
- Minimum 10 years' relevant experience, including at least 6 years in Oil & Gas
- At least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role
- Strong experience in EPC contracting environments and large-scale project organisations
- Proven exposure to FEED and EPC onshore oil & gas projects
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in cost estimating methodologies (Class 1-5)
- Deep knowledge of CAPEX/OPEX, TIC, unit rates, WBS, modularisation, and shutdown estimating
- Experience in cost risk analysis, benchmarking, and contingency modelling
- Strong understanding of EPC contracts, claims, variations, and cost control systems
- Proficiency in cost tools, SAP, dashboards, and data analytics platforms
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and financial modelling capability
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities
- High attention to detail and commercial awareness
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Ability to work in high-pressure, large-scale project environments