Senior Cost Manager (Roads, Civils and Structures)
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Job Description:
Parsons is seeking a highly accomplished and results-oriented Senior Cost Manager (Roads, Civils and Structures) to join our pivotal team on the prestigious Qiddiya Project in Riyadh.
Lead the cost planning function for a significant road infrastructure package within the Qiddiya master plan. The role is accountable for developing and managing robust cost plans from early concept through to delivery, ensuring cost certainty, value for money, and commercial viability for major infrastructure programs.
What you'll be doing:
1. Strategic Cost Leadership
Set the cost planning strategy, standards, and methodologies for transport hub projects and programs.
Provide early strategic cost advice to clients and internal stakeholders to inform investment decisions, business cases, and option selection.
Lead the development of benchmark cost databases and key performance indicators for transport hubs and related infrastructure.
2. End-to-End Cost Planning & Estimating
Own the preparation, review, and sign-off of cost plans through all design stages (concept, schematic, detailed design, IFC).
Develop high-level order-of-magnitude estimates, elemental cost plans, and detailed bills-of-quantities-based estimates for:
Station and hub buildings
Rail/metro infrastructure and systems
Interchange facilities, roads, bridges, tunnels, and utilities
Public realm, parking, and associated developments
Ensure all cost models are based on auditable assumptions, current market data, and appropriate productivity norms.
3. Design & Scope Management
Drive cost-conscious design development, working closely with architecture, engineering, planning, and operations teams.
Manage design-to-budget processes; identify and challenge cost drivers and scope creep.
Facilitate value engineering and value management workshops, developing and prioritizing cost-saving options while preserving safety, service levels, and lifecycle value.
4. Risk, Contingency & Whole-Life Costing
Lead cost risk analyses, including quantitative risk assessments and Monte Carlo simulations where applicable.
Define contingency strategies and allowances, linked to risk registers and project maturity.
Promote and oversee whole-life cost and total cost of ownership assessments, including operations, maintenance, and renewals.
5. Market Intelligence & Procurement Interface
Maintain up-to-date insight on construction market conditions, supply chain capacity, inflation, and key cost drivers.
Support procurement strategy development, including packaging, contracting strategies, and commercial models for hub and rail works.
Review and challenge contractor and consultant bids, validating rates, pricing structures, and assumptions.
6. Governance, Assurance & Reporting
Establish cost planning governance frameworks, procedures, and reporting standards for transport hubs.
Present cost plans, forecasts, and value-for-money analyses to steering committees, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
Lead internal audits and independent reviews of cost plans to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with corporate and client requirements.
7. Stakeholder & Client Management
Act as the primary senior cost planning interface with clients, government entities, and joint venture partners for hub projects.
Manage expectations around budgets, scope, and value trade-offs, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Support negotiations and approvals related to budgets, change, and funding allocations.
8. Leadership & Team Development
Lead and mentor a team of cost planners, quantity surveyors, and junior commercial staff.
Develop capability in cost planning tools, techniques, and digital solutions (e.g. BIM 5D, cost databases, parametric estimating).
Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What required skills you'll bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
Minimum 15 years’ experience in cost planning / cost management in construction management, with a dedicated focus on large-scale road and highway infrastructure projects.
Proven track record in leading the cost planning function for complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept to delivery.
Deep technical knowledge of all aspects of road construction, including earthworks, grading, asphalt and concrete paving, drainage systems, bridges, tunnels (if applicable), intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and associated civil works.
Advanced proficiency in cost planning software and $MS$ Excel; experience with BIM-integrated cost tools (5D).
What desired skills you'll bring:
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Project Management, Infrastructure Finance) is an advantage.
Professional membership or chartered status with $RICS$, $AIQS$, $AACE$, or equivalent.
Experience working with public sector clients, $PPP$ / concession models, or large program environments.
Regional experience in [e.g. GCC / Middle East / Europe / Asia] and familiarity with local market dynamics.
Strong commercial acumen and understanding of project finance, business cases, and value-for-money frameworks.
Excellent analytical skills; ability to synthesize complex technical information into clear cost implications.
Advanced leadership and people management capabilities, including coaching and delegation.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practices.
Ability to work under pressure on multiple concurrent projects and meet demanding deadlines.
We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!
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