Lead Cost Estimator📣 Job Ad

Role Overview

Abdullah A. Al-Barrak & Son Co. is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to manage bid and project cost estimation activities. This full-time position, based in Al Khobar, Eastern Province, involves developing and validating classified estimates, leading the proposal/estimation team, and ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information within the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all cost estimation activities for EPC and execution phases.
• Develop, review, and validate Class 1 to Class 5 cost estimates (Level 1 – Order of Magnitude, Level 2 – Schematic/Conceptual Design, Level 3- Design Development, Level 4 – Construction Document, and Level 5 – Bid estimate) in accordance with project requirements and industry best practices.
• Prepare detailed estimates, including material, labor, equipment, construction, indirect costs, and contingency assessments.
• Establish cost estimating methodologies, databases, norms, and benchmarks to support project decision-making.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, procurement, construction, and project controls teams to ensure accurate and timely estimates.
• Evaluate contractor and vendor estimates and provide technical recommendations.
• Perform cost risk analysis, sensitivity analysis, and estimate assurance reviews.
• Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Prepare estimate basis documents, cost reports, management presentations, and supporting documentation for project approvals.
• Ensure compliance with Client standards, project procedures, and company estimating practices.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of Specialists, Senior Engineers, and Engineers involved in cost estimation activities.
• Interface effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project management teams to support project objectives.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in the Oil & Gas or Petrochemical industry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar leadership role on major Oil & Gas or Petrochemical projects.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or an equivalent qualification from an accredited university.
• Certification and training courses from AACE are considered an additional advantage.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Experience in managing and leading teams comprising Specialists, Senior Engineers, and Engineers.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating techniques, industry norms, benchmarking, and estimating software/tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and multicultural project environments.
• Proficiency in advanced MS Excel and understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
• Capability to lead the preparation of comprehensive EPC cost breakdowns for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Adept at conducting cost risk, sensitivity, and historical reconciliation reviews.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills to coordinate with engineering, procurement, and project controls teams for scope validation.
• Ability to mentor and supervise junior engineers and specialists while enforcing company estimating standards.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based in Al Khobar, Eastern Province, and involves working within complex project environments typical of the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical sectors. The Lead Cost Estimator will operate within a collaborative, team-oriented structure, engaging with various internal departments and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives for Abdullah A. Al-Barrak & Son Co.