Quantity Surveyor Resume Example for Jobs in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Jeddah's construction boom, fueled by Vision 2030 megaprojects, has created exceptional demand for quantity surveyors who can manage cost control, contract administration, and commercial management for some of the world's most ambitious developments. The city hosts projects including Jeddah Tower (the world's future tallest building), the Red Sea Development Company's luxury resort portfolio, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the Jeddah Metro system, and the massive Jeddah Central Development. These projects, ranging from SAR 500M to multi-billion riyal values, require sophisticated cost management expertise adapted to Saudi procurement regulations, volatile material markets, and complex stakeholder environments.

As Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and gateway to the Holy Cities, Jeddah presents unique challenges for quantity surveyors. The city's role in Hajj and Umrah infrastructure creates seasonal considerations in construction programming and labor availability. The Red Sea coastal location influences material specifications and logistics, while the kingdom's evolving regulatory environment (including VAT implementation, Saudization requirements, and changing contract law) requires quantity surveyors who can navigate both international standards and local compliance frameworks. The scale and complexity of Jeddah projects make it one of the GCC's most dynamic markets for QS professionals.

Why Choose Jeddah for Quantity Surveying Careers

Jeddah offers quantity surveyors the opportunity to work on genuinely landmark projects at exceptional scales. The zero income tax policy means QS salaries provide outstanding purchasing power, with tax-free SAR compensation significantly outperforming equivalent gross salaries in most other markets. The city's cosmopolitan character makes it the most comfortable Saudi posting for many expatriate professionals, while still providing the career acceleration and financial advantages of the kingdom's construction sector.

The quantity surveying market in Jeddah is characterized by a mix of FIDIC-based contracts for government megaprojects and bespoke commercial agreements for private developments. International consultancies maintain major presences specifically to serve Jeddah's project pipeline, creating environments where QS professionals work alongside global colleagues while building regional expertise. The scale of projects means quantity surveyors often gain experience with procurement methods and contract values that would take decades to encounter in smaller markets. The city's ongoing transformation under Vision 2030 ensures project pipelines extending years into the future, providing employment stability uncommon in construction globally.

Top Quantity Surveying Employers in Jeddah

Faithful+Gould (Atkins member) operates a significant Jeddah office providing cost management and project controls for major infrastructure and building developments. The firm's involvement in Red Sea projects, transportation infrastructure, and mixed-use developments provides QS professionals with exposure to diverse contract forms and procurement routes. F+G's technical rigor and integration with broader Atkins engineering capabilities create opportunities to work at the intersection of design and cost management.

Currie & Brown maintains a substantial Jeddah presence serving both public and private sector clients across the Western Province. The firm specializes in megaproject cost management and employs quantity surveyors for roles spanning pre-contract cost planning through post-contract commercial management. C&B projects often involve FIDIC Silver Book and bespoke contracts, providing exposure to complex risk allocation scenarios.

AECOM operates integrated project management and cost consultancy services from its Jeddah office, employing quantity surveyors for infrastructure, aviation, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. AECOM's scale provides opportunities for specialization in particular sectors while maintaining career mobility across the firm's global network. The firm's involvement in King Abdulaziz International Airport expansion and other major projects offers experience with high-profile, time-critical developments.

Hill International provides project management and cost consultancy services for multiple Jeddah developments, employing quantity surveyors for both consultancy roles and client-side representation. Hill's practice includes claims management and dispute resolution alongside traditional QS services, providing broader commercial management exposure. The firm's Middle East focus creates strong understanding of regional procurement practices and contract risk allocation norms.

Linesight (formerly Alinma Project Management) has expanded significantly in Jeddah, offering cost management and project controls for construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. Linesight's growth trajectory creates advancement opportunities for quantity surveyors who demonstrate strong performance, with the firm's international expansion providing potential for geographic mobility alongside regional specialization.

Jeddah-Specific Resume Tips for Quantity Surveyors

When crafting your quantity surveying resume for Jeddah employers, emphasize experience with FIDIC contract forms (particularly Red, Yellow, and Silver Books) as these are predominant in Saudi government projects. Highlight any exposure to Saudi procurement regulations, including the Government Tenders and Procurement Law and Etimad (the national e-procurement platform). Demonstrate understanding of cost management in extreme climates, where material specifications, labor productivity adjustments, and seasonal programming significantly impact project costs.

Software proficiency should prominently feature CostX or similar measurement software, Primavera P6 for program-linked cost management, and advanced Excel/Power BI for cost reporting. Many Jeddah consultancies use Procore or similar project management platforms for document control and commercial correspondence. Include any experience with BIM-based quantity takeoff (Revit, Navisworks) as 5D BIM adoption is accelerating in the Saudi market. Arabic language skills enhance employability, particularly for roles involving contractor liaison and local authority coordination, though English remains the business language for most international consultancies.

Demonstrate awareness of current market conditions in your application materials. Reference specific projects or sectors you've followed in Jeddah, showing genuine interest beyond salary considerations. For senior roles, emphasize team leadership and mentoring capabilities, as Saudization policies create demand for quantity surveyors who can develop local talent. Highlight any professional accreditations (MRICS, CCP, PMP) as these carry weight with Jeddah employers, particularly international consultancies with global competency frameworks.

Quantity Surveying Salaries in Jeddah

Mid-level quantity surveyors (5-10 years of experience) in Jeddah typically earn between SAR 11,000 and SAR 22,000 per month, with variation based on employer type, project involvement, and professional qualifications. Senior quantity surveyors and commercial managers with 10+ years of experience, MRICS designation, and proven track records in the GCC can command SAR 24,000 to SAR 38,000 monthly. Entry-level positions for recently qualified quantity surveyors generally start at SAR 7,000 to SAR 10,000, with faster progression for those holding recognized accreditations.

Compensation packages frequently include benefits beyond base salary. Housing allowances range from SAR 2,000 to SAR 5,000 monthly depending on seniority, with annual return airfare, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity (one month's salary per year worked) as standard. Some consultancies offer project completion bonuses or profit-sharing arrangements. The zero income tax environment means net take-home pay significantly exceeds equivalent gross salaries in most other markets, enabling quantity surveyors to achieve savings rates of 50-70% of gross income while maintaining comfortable lifestyles.

Work Culture and Lifestyle in Jeddah

Quantity surveying consultancies in Jeddah operate Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend. Standard workdays run 8-9 hours, though tender periods and monthly valuation cycles can require extended hours. The work environment tends to be professional and multicultural, with quantity surveyors from UK, South Africa, Egypt, India, and Pakistan commonly working together. Prayer times are observed with brief pauses throughout the day, but project deadlines take precedence and workflows generally accommodate these breaks without significant disruption.

Site visits in Jeddah require consideration of extreme summer temperatures (June-September), with outdoor inspections typically scheduled for early morning hours. Professional dress codes apply for office environments and client meetings, though site visits allow more casual attire. The city's Red Sea coastline and relatively liberal atmosphere (by Saudi standards) create lifestyle appeal for expatriate professionals. Jeddah's Corniche area offers extensive recreational facilities, while international restaurants, shopping districts, and emerging cultural venues provide diverse amenities. Family-oriented services including international schools and healthcare are well-established given the city's long expatriate presence.

Professional Development and Career Progression

Quantity surveyors in Jeddah benefit from exposure to project scales and complexities that accelerate professional development. A mid-level QS in Jeddah might manage cost control for SAR 500M+ projects within 5-7 years of qualification, experience that could take 15+ years to achieve in smaller markets. This rapid responsibility growth makes Jeddah attractive for early- to mid-career professionals seeking accelerated progression. The challenging environment (language barriers, cultural differences, complex stakeholder management) builds adaptability and commercial acumen valuable throughout a QS career.

Professional qualification pathways continue while working in Jeddah. RICS AssocRICS and MRICS submissions can be completed with local counselors available, while the kingdom's growing construction sector provides rich material for professional competency demonstration. Many employers support continuing professional development, with some offering study leave for qualifications like MSc in Project Management or advanced commercial management certifications. The international consultancy presence creates networking opportunities and potential for geographic mobility within firm global networks.

Visa and Work Authorization

Quantity surveyors working in Jeddah require an iqama (Saudi residency permit) sponsored by their employer. The sponsorship process typically takes 4-8 weeks and requires degree attestation (including verification through Saudi embassy in your home country), medical examinations, and security clearances. Your employer manages the process, but you must provide properly attested academic certificates, passport copies, and undergo health screening. Once issued, the iqama must be renewed every one or two years depending on contract length.

Understanding Nitaqat (Saudization) classifications helps assess employment stability. Consultancies in platinum or green categories have greater flexibility to hire and retain expatriate staff, while those in yellow or red zones face constraints. During interviews, inquiring about a firm's Nitaqat status is acceptable and demonstrates commercial awareness. Exit/re-entry visas are required for international travel during employment, though multiple-exit permits are increasingly available. The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) registration provides end-of-service benefits but does not include pension portability, so quantity surveyors should maintain private retirement planning alongside Saudi employment.

Premium Resume Template for Jeddah Quantity Surveyors

Professional Summary Example: "Chartered quantity surveyor (MRICS) with 9 years of post-qualification experience managing cost control and commercial administration for infrastructure and building projects exceeding SAR 2.5B in aggregate value. Proven expertise in FIDIC contract administration, claim substantiation, and value engineering across GCC markets. Strong track record delivering monthly cost reports, variation analysis, and final account settlements on complex megaprojects. Proficient in CostX, Primavera P6, and 5D BIM workflows. Seeking senior commercial management role contributing to Jeddah's Vision 2030 infrastructure transformation."

Jeddah-Specific Experience Section Format: When describing project experience for Jeddah applications, use this structure: "[Project Name] - [Project Type], [Value], [Location] | Role: [Title] | Duration: [Dates] | Responsibilities: Pre-contract: Cost planning from SAR XXM to SAR XXM, value engineering achieving X% savings, tender analysis for [procurement route]. Post-contract: Monthly valuations, variation assessment (approved variations: SAR XXM), contractor claim review, final account agreement. Outcome: Project delivered SAR XXM under budget / X% cost savings / final account agreed within X months of practical completion." This format demonstrates both technical competency and commercial outcomes relevant to Jeddah employers.

Skills Section Optimization: Structure technical skills to match common job posting requirements: "Contract Administration: FIDIC Red/Yellow/Silver Book, NEC3/4, JCT (SBC), Saudi Government Contract | Cost Management: Pre-contract cost planning, value engineering, risk analysis, life cycle costing | Post-Contract: Valuations, variation analysis, EOT assessment, claim management, final account | Software: CostX (Advanced), Primavera P6 (Intermediate), Excel/Power BI (Advanced), Procore, BIM 5D (Revit/Navisworks) | Standards: Saudi Building Code cost implications, Etimad e-procurement, RICS measurement standards (NRM, POMI)."

Cover Letter Template for Jeddah QS Applications

"Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I am writing to express strong interest in the Senior Quantity Surveyor position at [Firm]'s Jeddah office. With ten years of quantity surveying experience including five years managing costs for large-scale infrastructure projects in GCC markets, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or client sector mentioned in posting]. In my current role with [Current Employer], I manage commercial administration for a SAR 1.2B transportation project, where I have successfully negotiated settlement of SAR 85M in contractor variations while maintaining project cost certainty for the client. My experience with FIDIC Silver Book contracts and complex stakeholder environments has prepared me to navigate the commercial challenges inherent in Jeddah's Vision 2030 megaprojects. I am particularly drawn to [Firm]'s involvement in [specific Jeddah project or sector], having followed the project's progress with great interest. My background in [relevant sector - hospitality/infrastructure/mixed-use] and proven capability managing costs on projects exceeding SAR 500M align well with the requirements outlined in your posting. As a chartered member of RICS with working knowledge of Saudi procurement regulations and Etimad platform requirements, I am positioned to contribute immediately to your Jeddah practice. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my commercial management expertise and regional experience can support [Firm]'s continued growth in the Saudi market. Thank you for your consideration."