Estimation Section Manager

About the Role

Parsons is seeking an Estimation Section Manager to join their team in Riyadh, Riyadh. This full-time role involves leading cost management across major, high-profile projects. The manager will oversee pre-contract cost management, ensure cost certainty, and provide commercial advice to clients and senior stakeholders, contributing to project affordability, risk management, value optimization, and successful procurement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all pre-contract cost management activities for assigned projects.
• Establish and implement cost management procedures, estimating standards, and benchmarking methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with RICS professional standards and the New Rules of Measurement (NRM).
• Review and approve major estimates and cost plans before client issuance.
• Develop and maintain cost management governance frameworks and best practices.
• Lead and oversee the preparation of Order of Cost Estimates, Concept Estimates, Elemental Cost Plans, Detailed Cost Plans, and Pre-Tender Estimates.
• Ensure design development aligns with approved budgets and advise clients on affordability and project viability.
• Lead cost risk and opportunity workshops and establish contingency allowances and risk budgets.
• Identify and quantify design, construction, procurement, and market-related risks.
• Lead value engineering and value management initiatives to maximize value for money.
• Maintain accurate cost databases and historical benchmarks.
• Monitor market trends, inflation, labor rates, material costs, and supply-chain conditions.
• Oversee the preparation and review of Bills of Quantities, Pricing Schedules, Tender Documents, Pre-Tender Estimates, and commercial evaluation documentation.
• Lead tender analysis, bid evaluation, and commercial assessments.
• Act as the senior cost adviser to project directors, clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Present budget positions, cost forecasts, risks, and opportunities clearly.
• Support investment decisions by providing reliable cost intelligence and certainty.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of total professional experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in pre-contract cost management.
• Proven experience leading cost management or estimating teams.
• Experience working on major infrastructure, buildings, mixed-use, or giga-projects.
• MRICS membership is highly desirable and typically considered the minimum professional qualification for a senior cost management leadership role.

Leadership Competencies

• Department leadership, team development, and resource management.
• Strong client-facing advisory and communication skills.
• Executive-level reporting and presentation capabilities.
• Business development and stakeholder management.
• Ability to establish and implement cost management standards and governance.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on commercial outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.