Director Cost Planning Residential📣 Job Ad

About Qiddiya and the Role

Qiddiya is developing a new city focused on play, creativity, and experience, with a significant residential program at its core. We are seeking a Director Cost Planning Residential to join our team in Riyadh. This full-time role is central to shaping the residential product, ensuring financial discipline and strategic cost management from the earliest stages of development.

Role Purpose and Context

The Director Cost Planning Residential will be instrumental in influencing early design decisions and ensuring that budgets effectively drive project outcomes. This position focuses on establishing and leading a consistent cost planning approach across all villa and townhouse developments within the Residential Business Unit. The role is purely dedicated to cost planning, distinct from project controls, procurement, or the measurement of bills of quantities, emphasizing the strategic planning of costs rather than merely costing existing plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a consistent cost planning methodology across all villa and townhouse assets.
• Ensure budgets actively shape design and that cost versus value is rigorously assessed at every development stage.
• Provide early cost advice to guide feasibility studies, layout designs, and overall design direction.
• Support development teams by delivering clear, structured cost insights for practical application.
• Manage and challenge external cost consultants to ensure the delivery of precise and reliable cost plans.
• Develop and maintain robust benchmarking data to facilitate rapid and informed decision-making.
• Produce concise cost summaries and support smooth progress through project Stage Gates.
• Translate complex technical cost matters into clear, straightforward explanations for non-technical teams.
• Collaborate closely with design, development, procurement, and finance teams to maintain project decision alignment.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in cost planning and related roles, with a primary focus on strategic cost planning.
• Pre-Contract / Pre-Development experience is essential.
• Client-side cost planning experience is highly preferred; if from a consulting background, client representative experience is preferred.
• Middle East experience is preferable.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated confidence in leading design-to-budget discussions and effectively challenging inefficient design proposals.
• Solid technical proficiency in Cost Planning, feasibility studies, benchmarking, and value management.
• Ability to translate intricate technical cost information into clear, actionable messages.
• A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and the capacity to influence early project decisions.

Location

This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.