Quantity Surveying Lead

Company Description

SOCOTEC ARABIA has been appointed as the PMO for a high-profile, confidential development program in Riyadh City. As part of the executive leadership within a 50-person PMO team, We are seeking a highly qualified Quantity Surveying Lead with 20+ years of experience, ideally with prior exposure to major programs in the Middle East and Western markets. 
This leadership position requires deep knowledge of cost management principles, contract administration, and value engineering. 

Job Description

Leadership in Quantity Surveying:

• Lead and direct all QS activities across multiple large-scale projects, ensuring best practices in cost planning, control, and reporting.
• Drive commercial excellence and strategic cost management from pre-contract through post-contract stages.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of quantity surveyors and cost managers, promoting technical development and consistent delivery standards.

Cost & Commercial Management:

• Develop, implement, and oversee cost control systems and project budget protocols.
• Lead the preparation and review of cost estimates, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Manage variations, claims, and contractual risks with a strategic, commercially driven approach.

Contract Administration:

• Oversee the tendering process, contract negotiations, and procurement strategies.
• Manage contractor and consultant engagements to ensure compliance with budget and contract terms.
• Provide expert guidance on contractual disputes, risk mitigation, and claims resolution.

Value Engineering & Risk Management:

• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize design and reduce costs without compromising quality or project outcomes.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide recommendations for commercial decision-making.

Stakeholder & Client Interface:

• Act as the primary cost advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain consistent, transparent reporting on cost status, financial health, and commercial risks across all projects.

Represent the QS function in key project and executive-level meetings.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or equivalent professional accreditation is mandatory.

Experience:

• 20+ years of progressive QS experience, with a strong background in international and large-scale projects, including infrastructure, mixed-use developments, or public-sector works.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or QS director capacity on complex programs.
• Prior work in the GCC or Middle East is highly advantageous.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in pre- and post-contract quantity surveying services.
• Strong working knowledge of international standard forms of contract (e.g., FIDIC).
• Proficiency in cost management software such as CostX, Candy, or similar tools.
• Deep understanding of procurement, commercial strategy, and project delivery lifecycle.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in fast-paced environments.

Additional Information

Preferred Candidate Profile:

• Saudi National
• Demonstrated ability to lead commercial teams on mega or giga-projects.
• Adaptable, culturally aware, and experienced in working in multinational environments.
• Proactive in delivering commercial value, managing risk, and supporting successful project outcomes.