Job Purpose:
The Cost Planning Associate Director / Senior Manager will be responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing cost planning / estimates, budgeting, and forecasting processes within the Transport Business Unit. This role ensures cost efficiency, financial control, and alignment with project objectives by providing strategic insights and cost estimate analysis throughout the entire project lifecycle
Key Responsibilities:
Cost Planning / Estimating & Budgeting:
- Develop, implement, and manage cost planning strategies for Transport BU Projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, throughout the entire project lifecycle
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, forecasts, and budgets for infrastructure, mobility, and transport-related projects, across the Transport BU.
- Conduct financial feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to support development and delivery orientated judgement & decision-making, at all stages
- Develop detailed pre-tender costs estimates and assist with the cost of optioneering and variations.
- Ability to prepare and interrogate benchmarking studies
- Apply international best practice and ideally regional / Middle Eastern costing estimates in preparation of budgets, at all stages
Cost Control & Monitoring:
- Track, analyze, and report on project costs to ensure adherence to approved budgets and financial plans.
- Identify and mitigate cost risks, providing recommendations to optimize financial performance.
- Implement cost control measures, ensuring financial discipline across all transportation development initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting:
- Collaborate with project managers, cost planning, commercial, procurement, finance, and engineering / delivery teams to provide cost insights and ensure budget adherence.
- Work closely and support internal Cost Planning activities, ensuring best practices and consistency across and within Qiddiya
- Prepare and present cost reports, financial models, and variance analyses to senior management and key stakeholders.
- Support contract negotiations and procurement processes by providing cost analysis and financial recommendations.
- Manage and lead interfaces with external Cost Consultancies including allocation and reviewing of Cost Planning activities, at all stages
Process Improvement & Best Practices:
- Develop and implement cost management strategy, frameworks, reporting, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy, across the BU
- Stay updated on industry trends, cost estimation techniques, cost build ups and local (KSA & Middle Eastern) trends and financial best practices in transportation and infrastructure development / delivery.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve cost planning and estimates processes and systems.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or other professional certifications (e.g., RICS, CIMA, PMP, or equivalent) is a plus.
- 15+ years of experience in cost planning, estimating, budgeting, or financial control within transportation, infrastructure, or major construction projects.
- Strong understanding of cost estimation methodologies, financial modeling, and project management principles and temporary and permanent works
- Experience working with cost management software and ERP systems.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement and management abilities.