The Director – Cost Planning (CDU) is responsible for leading and governing cost planning across all Business Units (BUs), ensuring consistency, cost certainty, and value optimization across Qiddiya’s portfolio.
The role drives enterprise-wide cost planning standards, provides independent assurance to Stage Gate decisions, and builds long-term capability across the organization.
This is a strategic leadership role within CDU, acting as the custodian of cost planning governance, benchmarking, and best practice, while enabling BUs to deliver fully aligned, market-informed, and risk-managed cost outcomes.
Key Responsibilities Enterprise Leadership & Functional Oversight (CDU Role) Provide central leadership and oversight of cost planning across all Qiddiya BUs , ensuring alignment with CDU governance frameworks.
Define and implement enterprise cost planning strategy, standards, and technical guidelines .
Maintain end-to-end accountability for the CDU Cost Planning function , including capability development, tools, and methodologies.
Lead the standardisation of cost planning processes, data structures, and reporting outputs across BUs.
Drive capability building and mentoring of BU cost planning teams to ensure consistent maturity and performance levels.
Represent CDU in senior governance forums (PCG, Stage Gate panels, executive committees) ensuring alignment and endorsement of cost positions Governance, Stage Gate Assurance & Risk Management Provide independent cost assurance to support Stage Gate decisions across all assets and BUs.
Ensure compliance with CDU Cost Planning Technical Guidelines , procurement protocols, and governance procedures.
Lead enterprise cost governance , including audit readiness, risk oversight, and reporting to executive and Board-level stakeholders.
Establish and enforce robust cost assurance mechanisms , including reviews, validations, and independent challenge.
Proactively identify and manage portfolio-level cost risks and opportunities to enhance predictability and financial performance.
Cross-BU Collaboration & Stakeholder Influence; Act as the central interface between CDU and BU leadership teams , ensuring alignment on cost planning approaches and priorities.
Collaborate with Development, Design, Commercial, and Procurement functions to integrate cost planning into decision-making.
Engage confidently with DevCo leadership, executive panels, and external cost consultancies , influencing outcomes at the highest level.
Communicate complex cost information into clear, high-impact insights for executive audiences .
Promote a culture of constructive challenge and evidence-based decision-making across all BUs.
Demonstrate cultural awareness, inclusivity, and strong interpersonal leadership across a diverse organisation.
Technical Authority & Cost Planning Excellence Act as CDU’s technical authority on cost planning , ensuring robust, data-driven cost positions across all projects.
Maintain and continuously validate a portfolio-wide view of cost positions , ensuring consistency and transparency.
Lead the review and challenge of cost consultant outputs across BUs to ensure alignment with benchmarks and best practice.
Ensure cost planning is fully integrated with design development , enabling budgets to guide design and optimise value.
Provide early-stage strategic cost advice for new assets, developments, and investment decisions.
Oversee procurement, performance, and governance of cost consultants across the organisation.
Benchmarking, Digital Transformation & Market Intelligence Establish and maintain enterprise benchmarking frameworks , including SAR/m² (GFA) datasets aligned to Qiddiya asset classes.
Drive adoption of digital cost planning tools (e.
g., CostX, benchmarking platforms, AI-enabled solutions) across CDU and BUs.
Lead the development of master rates libraries and cost databases , ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
Provide market intelligence insights , including inflation trends, supply chain risks, and regional benchmarking comparisons.
Support development of Cost Planning KPIs and performance dashboards across the portfolio.
The opportunity to be part of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious city developments .
A role dedicated to a specific residential asset type , allowing you to build deep expertise in your area.
A fast-paced, high-impact environment where strategic thinking and execution excellence are highly valued.
Collaboration with global industry leaders in real estate development, architecture, and planning Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Finance or related discipline; a Master’s degree or relevant professional certification (e.
g., RICS, PMP) is preferred.
At least 12 years of progressive experience in cost planning leadership within large-scale, complex developments (giga-project experience preferred) Proven experience in centralized or matrix organizations (CDU / shared services model) Strong background in management and procurement (e.
g., Ariba or equivalent platforms) Advanced cost planning expertise across large-scale mixed-use or giga projects Strong capability in benchmarking (SAR/m² GFA), cost modelling, and risk analysis Proficiency in cost planning systems and digital tools (CostX, BIM integration, benchmarking platforms) Executive-level communication and presentation skills Proven ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders Strong cross-functional collaboration
