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Rail Senior Cost Estimation Commercial Expert (FIDIC) - Philippines

EWI Recruitment is supporting an international engineering consultancy delivering one of the Philippines' largest metro rail infrastructure programmes. We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimation & Commercial Expert to provide specialist commercial, contractual, and cost management support across major civil works and rail construction contracts. Based on the requirements outlined in Rail Cost & Estimation - Philippines, the role focuses heavily on cost evaluation, contractor claims, variations, pricing assessments, and FIDIC contract administration.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned cost engineering, quantity surveying, or commercial management professional to work on a landmark transportation project while collaborating with an internationally recognised project team.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing and evaluating construction costs, supporting contractual decision-making, and ensuring commercial compliance throughout project delivery. The position requires a strong understanding of infrastructure construction contracts, cost estimation methodologies, and the practical application of FIDIC contract provisions.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and monitor costs associated with major construction and infrastructure contracts.Review and validate cost estimates derived from engineering drawings, specifications, and project requirements.Prepare, review, and assess Bills of Quantities (BOQs), cost breakdown structures, budgets, and tender estimates.Support procurement processes, including bid evaluations, commercial assessments, and contract award recommendations.Evaluate contractor payment applications, cost submissions, variation orders, and change requests.Assess contractor claims relating to scope changes, differing site conditions, delays, and additional works.Undertake quantity take-offs, rate analysis, cost forecasting, and cash flow monitoring.Compare budgeted expenditure against actual project performance and provide commercial recommendations.Prepare detailed cost reports and commercial analyses for project management and client review.Liaise with contractors, consultants, engineers, and project stakeholders to resolve commercial issues and support project delivery.

Essential Technical Experience

Price Escalation

Candidates must demonstrate practical experience in applying and evaluating price escalation provisions within major construction contracts, including:Assessment of price adjustment mechanisms.Application of escalation indices and formulae.Evaluation of contractor submissions relating to cost escalation.Evaluation of New Rates & Variations

The successful candidate will have proven experience evaluating contractor-proposed rates for items not included within the original BOQ or POQ, including:

New item rate analysis.Contract variations.Scope changes.Compensation events.Claims arising from unforeseen site conditions.Commercial assessment and negotiation of revised rates.Cost Estimation & Commercial Management

Strong practical knowledge of:

Cost estimation and budgeting.Quantity surveying.Cost planning and forecasting.Contractor payment certification.Rate build-up analysis.Commercial reporting.Cost control and financial monitoring.FIDIC Contract Administration

Candidates must possess hands-on experience working under FIDIC contracts, with a strong understanding of:

Claims and contractual entitlements.Price adjustment provisions.Measurement and payment mechanisms.Extensions of time.Cost evaluation procedures.Contract administration and commercial decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Engineering, Cost Engineering, or a related discipline.Significant experience in cost estimation, quantity surveying, cost control, commercial management, or contract administration.Demonstrated experience on large-scale infrastructure projects such as rail, metro, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, or major civil works.Strong understanding of contractor claims, variations, and commercial negotiations.Practical experience administering or evaluating works under FIDIC contract conditions.Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.Experience using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar project control software.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international project environments.

Package

USD $7,000 - $10,000 per month tax free

Additional allowances of approximately USD $3,000 per month

Keywords / SEO

Metro Rail, Rail Infrastructure, Cost Estimation, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, Commercial Management, Contract Administration, FIDIC, Variations, Claims, Price Escalation, Cost Control, Rate Analysis, Contractor Claims, Infrastructure Consultancy, Philippines, Manila, Transportation Projects.

About EWI Recruitment

EWI is an international recruitment consultancy specialising in the global infrastructure and engineering sectors. We support major rail, transportation, energy, and civil engineering projects worldwide, connecting leading employers with highly skilled technical and commercial professionals.

To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please contact Oliver Jones at EWI Recruitment.