Director Cost Planning Residential📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Qiddiya is developing a new city focused on play, creativity, and experience, with the residential program forming a core component of this vision. This full-time Director - Cost Planning - Residential position, based in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, will significantly influence early design decisions and ensure budgets effectively drive project outcomes. The role requires a strategic approach to cost planning across all villa and townhouse developments, working collaboratively with development teams to challenge assumptions and provide practical, understandable advice.

Role Focus

This is a dedicated cost planning role, distinct from project controls, procurement, or the measurement of bills of quantities. The objective is to establish and maintain a consistent, clear, and confident approach to cost planning within Qiddiya’s Residential Business Unit, focusing on the strategic planning of costs rather than simply costing existing plans. The ideal candidate will bring clarity and consistency to the development of the residential product.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a consistent cost planning approach across all villa and townhouse assets.
• Ensure that budgets inform design decisions and that cost versus value is evaluated at each project stage.
• Provide early-stage cost advice to guide feasibility studies, layouts, and overall design direction.
• Support development teams by delivering simple, structured cost insights.
• Manage and challenge external cost consultants to ensure the delivery of clear and reliable cost plans.
• Develop and maintain benchmarking data to facilitate rapid and informed decision-making.
• Produce concise cost summaries and support the smooth progression through stage gates.
• Communicate complex technical cost matters in a clear and straightforward manner for non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with design, development, procurement, and finance teams to ensure decisions remain on track.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in cost planning and related roles, with a strong emphasis on strategic cost planning.
• Essential experience in pre-contract and pre-development phases.
• Client-side cost planning experience is highly preferred. If experience is from a consulting background, a client representative role is advantageous.
• Proven ability to lead design-to-budget discussions and challenge inefficient design proposals.
• Solid technical proficiency in cost planning, feasibility studies, benchmarking, and value management.
• The ability to translate technical cost information into simple, practical messages for diverse audiences.
• A collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and the capacity to influence early-stage decisions.
• Middle East experience is preferable.
• PrQS qualification is strongly advantageous.
• Professional accreditation such as RICS or AIQS is preferred.

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time position located in Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. The role involves close collaboration with internal development teams and external consultants within a dynamic project environment focused on creating a new city of play and experience.