Director, Cost Planning - Residential Villas & Townhouses (DEL-532)

We’re looking for a Director of Cost Planning who knows how 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.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• Strong Middle East experience, ideally delivering villas, townhouses, or low-rise residential projects.
• 15+ years in cost planning or quantity surveying, with proven client-side or senior consultancy experience.
• 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.

Benefits

Offering a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.