Director - Cost Planning - Residential

Qiddiya is building a new kind of city, a city of play, creativity and experience. The residential programme sits at the heart of that ambition. In this role, you’ll influence early design decisions, make sure budgets drive outcomes, and lead a consistent cost planning approach across every villa and townhouse development. You’ll work closely with development teams, challenge assumptions and translate technical detail into simple, practical advice that non-technical teams can use.

We’re looking for a Director of Cost Planning who knowshow to plan the cost, not cost the plan. Someone who can bring consistency, clarity and confidence to how we develop the residential product across Qiddiya’s Residential Business Unit.

* This is a pure cost planning role, not project controls, not procurement and not about measuring bills of quantities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead a consistent cost planning approach across all villa and townhouse assets.
• Ensure budgets shape design and cost vs value is tested at every stage.
• Provide early cost advice that steers feasibility, layouts and design direction.
• Support development teams with simple, structured cost insight they can use.
• Manage and challenge external cost consultants to deliver clear, reliable cost plans.
• Build and maintain benchmarking that supports fast, informed decision making.
• Produce clean cost summaries and support smooth Stage Gate progress.
• Explain complex technical matters in a clear, straightforward way for non-technical teams.
• Work closely with design, development, procurement and finance to keep decisions on track.

Requirements

• Middle East experience is preferable
• PrQS qualified is strongly advantageous
• Pre-Contract / Pre-Development is absolutely essential
• 15+ years in cost planning and related roles - how to plan the cost, not cost the plan is paramount
• Client-side cost planning experience is highly preferable. If consulting, then client representative would be preferred
• Confidence in leading design-to-budget discussions and challenging inefficient design.
• Solid technical capability in Cost Planning, feasibility, benchmarking and value management.
• Ability to translate technical cost information into simple, practical messages.
• Collaborative mindset, strong communication skills and the ability to influence early decisions.
• Professional accreditation such as RICS or AIQS preferred.