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- Tasks: Lead cost planning for large-scale masterplans and collaborate with design and finance teams.
- Company: Join a multi-billion developer shaping visionary real estate projects in Saudi Arabia.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment, exposure to innovative design, and a high-impact role.
- Why this job: Be part of ambitious projects that influence design decisions and drive maximum value.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in cost planning or quantity surveying with experience in complex developments.
- Other info: This role requires relocation to Saudi Arabia; hands-on involvement is key.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Director – Cost Planning
$Multi Billion Developer
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
This role requires employees to be based in Saudi Arabia. Please do not apply if you are unable to relocate.
Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Director – Cost Planning to join a high-performing development team working on complex, high-value, large-scale masterplans. This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in cost planning (i.e., planning the costs – not just estimating the plans) who is comfortable working across both cost and design metrics to influence design decisions that drive maximum value.
This is not a traditional oversight or sales-focused role. It is an execution-heavy, collaborative position requiring direct involvement with both internal teams and external consultants. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the commercial viability and cost efficiency of ambitious real estate projects from inception to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and oversight of cost planning strategies for large-scale masterplans and mixed-use developments.
- Collaborate closely with internal design, development, and finance teams to align cost plans with design intent and financial objectives.
- Review, challenge, and validate outputs from external cost consultants, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency.
- Apply deep understanding of design metrics to proactively influence decisions and identifying opportunities to add value.
- Coordinate benchmarking and data-driven cost modelling to inform early-stage development strategy.
- Ensure uniformity in cost planning approaches across all assets, phases, and project types.
- Contribute to feasibility assessments and investment decision-making from a cost perspective.
- Communicate effectively across disciplines to advocate for commercially sound design choices.
- Maintain strong awareness of market trends, material and construction costs, and supply chain risks.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Experience:
- 10–15 years of experience in cost planning, quantity surveying, or development advisory.
- Proven background in cost planning (front-end strategy and value creation) rather than only post-design estimating.
- Demonstrated experience on large, complex masterplans or high-profile real estate developments.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Commercially minded with a strong grasp of how design impacts ROI and cost efficiency.
- A confident and clear communicator – able to influence consultants and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Hands-on and proactive – not afraid to get into the details and drive outcomes without excessive reliance on delegation.
- Naturally extroverted and team-oriented – works well in open, fast-paced, and idea-driven environments.
- Strong with numbers and comfortable interpreting both cost data and design metrics.
- Personality/Working Style:
- High energy, results-oriented, with a bias for action.
- This is a doing role , not a managing one.
What’s on Offer
- The opportunity to work on some of the most visionary real estate projects in the region.
- A collaborative, non-hierarchical environment where ideas and input are encouraged.
- Exposure to cutting-edge design thinking, sustainability innovation, and global best practice.
- A high-impact role within a multidisciplinary, future-focused development team.
Director Cost Planning - Saudi Arabia - Giga Project employer: Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition
Contact Detail:
Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Cost Planning - Saudi Arabia - Giga Project
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the real estate and construction sectors, especially those who have experience in large-scale masterplans. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in cost planning.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market. Understanding local regulations, material costs, and supply chain dynamics can give you an edge when discussing your insights during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on experience in cost planning by discussing specific projects where you influenced design decisions. Be ready to share examples of how your strategies led to cost efficiencies and value creation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting experiences where you worked closely with multidisciplinary teams. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively across different functions, as this role requires strong teamwork and influence.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Cost Planning - Saudi Arabia - Giga Project
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in cost planning and quantity surveying. Focus on specific projects where you've influenced design decisions and improved cost efficiency, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your hands-on approach and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Mention your understanding of how design impacts ROI and provide examples of how you've successfully driven outcomes in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on large-scale masterplans or high-profile real estate developments. Highlight your role in developing cost planning strategies and your ability to challenge and validate outputs from external consultants.
Demonstrate Market Awareness: Include insights about current market trends, material costs, and supply chain risks in your application. This shows that you are not only experienced but also proactive in staying informed about factors that influence cost planning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition
✨Showcase Your Cost Planning Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in cost planning, particularly how you've influenced design decisions to maximise value. Highlight specific projects where your strategic input made a significant impact on cost efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role requires close collaboration with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and advocate for commercially sound design choices.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that delve into your understanding of design metrics and cost data interpretation. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you apply this in real-world scenarios to drive project outcomes.
✨Stay Updated on Market Trends
Research current market trends, material costs, and supply chain risks relevant to the region. Being knowledgeable about these factors will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring the commercial viability of projects and your proactive approach to cost planning.
