Senior Manager - Cost Planning - Residential

About the Role

We are searching for a Senior Manager specializing in Cost Planning to lead from the client's perspective within Qiddiya's residential development projects. This role focuses on owning and guiding the cost planning function rather than executing quantity measurements. It is specifically centered on development cost planning—not project controls, procurement, or bill of quantities measurement.

Qiddiya is creating an innovative city dedicated to entertainment, sports, and culture. These projects are highly ambitious, complex, and rapidly evolving. In this capacity, you will ensure that cost data remains transparent, credible, and aligned with design objectives from the earliest phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the cost planning standpoint across residential developments, guaranteeing the reliability of financial figures presented to the organization.
• Oversee external cost consultants producing cost plans, ensuring their outputs conform to Qiddiya's methodology and technical standards.
• Critically evaluate cost plans, question underlying assumptions, and ensure recommendations are thorough, consistent, and commercially sound.
• Drive budget adherence by influencing design decisions proactively rather than reacting to them.
• Monitor design progress and assess the cost implications arising from any modifications.
• Leverage benchmarking and historical data to rigorously test and confirm cost estimations.
• Generate concise cost summaries to aid internal decision-making processes and support Stage Gate approvals.
• Effectively communicate cost positions to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in managing or critically reviewing outputs from external cost consultants.
• Skill in deconstructing cost plans to comprehend and challenge their underlying logic and assumptions.
• Deep knowledge of feasibility studies, benchmarking techniques, and value management principles.
• Confidence to question design choices when cost and value are misaligned.
• Capability to maintain a broad perspective to verify the overall sensibility of financial figures.
• Excellent communication abilities to simplify complex cost issues for varied audiences.
• Professional credentials such as RICS or AIQS are highly advantageous.