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

Quantity Surveying Job Market in Riyadh

Riyadh's construction boom under Vision 2030 has created exceptional demand for quantity surveyors across megaprojects, infrastructure, commercial developments, and industrial facilities. The city's giga-projects require sophisticated cost management, value engineering, and contract administration expertise, positioning experienced quantity surveyors as critical project stakeholders.

NEOM and The Line represent the largest cost management challenges in modern construction history. With budgets exceeding USD 500 billion, these projects require quantity surveyors managing procurement frameworks, multi-billion dollar contracts, value engineering initiatives, and financial reporting for stakeholders including sovereign wealth funds and international investors. The scale creates opportunities for rapid career advancement and exposure to cutting-edge construction technologies.

The Riyadh Metro project, valued at USD 22.5 billion, employed thousands of quantity surveyors across six major consortia. With ongoing expansion phases and maintenance contracts, the metro continues to generate QS opportunities in infrastructure, rail systems, stations, and integrated developments. The project's complexity (underground tunnels, elevated sections, at-grade lines) provides diverse technical exposure.

Qiddiya Entertainment City (USD 8 billion) requires quantity surveyors specializing in theme parks, sports facilities, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. The project's unique program combining entertainment venues, motorsports circuits, cultural facilities, and residential communities creates cost management challenges rarely encountered elsewhere. Experience with international contractors and FIDIC contracts is highly valued.

Diriyah Gate Development employs quantity surveyors across heritage restoration, museum construction, luxury hospitality, and residential projects. The UNESCO World Heritage site constraints require specialized knowledge of conservation methodologies, traditional materials, and heritage-sensitive construction approaches. The project's cultural significance ensures premium budgets and quality-focused cost management.

King Salman Park and New Murabba create demand for quantity surveyors in landscape construction, public realm works, mixed-use towers, and infrastructure systems. The Mukaab building alone represents a USD 50+ billion opportunity with unprecedented structural and MEP complexities requiring sophisticated cost modeling and value engineering.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City manages numerous developments requiring quantity surveyors for feasibility studies, master planning cost estimates, infrastructure budgets, and program management. Private sector developments in residential, commercial, healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors continue despite government megaproject focus, creating diverse opportunities.

Why Choose Riyadh for Your Quantity Surveying Career

Riyadh offers quantity surveyors zero income tax, meaning take-home compensation exceeds Western equivalents by 25-35%. A SAR 20,000 monthly salary provides purchasing power equivalent to GBP 6,500-7,000 in the UK after tax, while living costs (excluding housing, often provided) remain moderate. The Vision 2030 construction boom has driven 15-20% annual salary increases as demand outstrips supply.

Project scales in Riyadh accelerate career development dramatically. Quantity surveyors in their late 20s and early 30s manage cost control for projects exceeding USD 500 million, responsibilities typically reserved for senior associates or associates in London or Sydney. The concentration of megaprojects enables rapid accumulation of diverse experience: infrastructure, high-rise, hospitality, cultural, industrial, and residential.

Working in Riyadh means collaboration with global leaders in quantity surveying: Faithful+Gould, Turner & Townsend, AECOM, Currie & Brown, and Hill International maintain substantial Riyadh presences. Regional firms like Dar Al-Handasah, Khatib & Alami, and Gulf Consult offer extensive project pipelines with clearer paths to partnership and leadership.

The Saudi market provides exceptional job security given the government's USD 1+ trillion commitment to Vision 2030 projects extending beyond 2030. Unlike cyclical Western markets, Saudi Arabia's construction pipeline remains robust with diversification into tourism, entertainment, logistics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing creating continuous QS demand.

Top Employers for Quantity Surveyors in Riyadh

Faithful+Gould Saudi Arabia, part of SNC-Lavalin, is the leading cost consultancy in the kingdom with landmark projects including King Abdullah Financial District, numerous airports, and major infrastructure. The firm offers structured career development, international mobility, and exposure to the full project lifecycle from feasibility through closeout. Competitive packages with strong professional development investment.

Turner & Townsend manages cost and project management for Saudi Arabia's largest developments including NEOM components, Qiddiya phases, and major infrastructure. The firm's global methodologies combined with local market knowledge create excellent learning environments. Strong emphasis on graduate development with clear progression to associate and partner levels.

AECOM Saudi Arabia employs quantity surveyors across infrastructure, buildings, and industrial projects. The firm's integrated model (design, cost, project management) provides holistic project understanding and cross-discipline exposure. Extensive government and private sector client relationships ensure project pipeline stability. Excellent benefits and work-life balance by industry standards.

Currie & Brown Middle East specializes in cost management and project controls with particular strength in high-rise residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. The firm's London heritage and RICS-qualified leadership provide strong technical training. Good reputation for career development with rapid progression for high performers.

Hill International Saudi Arabia focuses on program management and construction claims, offering quantity surveyors exposure to dispute resolution, delay analysis, and complex contract administration. The firm's work on delayed or distressed projects provides unique technical expertise valuable for career differentiation. Premium compensation for experienced surveyors with claims experience.

Other significant employers include Dar Al-Handasah (Dar Group) (regional giant with diverse portfolio), Mace Saudi Arabia (construction management and cost consultancy), Parsons (infrastructure and transport), EC Harris / Arcadis (commercial and residential), and Gardiner & Theobald (hospitality and mixed-use). Contractor-side QS opportunities exist with Saudi Binladin Group, Al Bawani, and Nesma & Partners.

Riyadh-Specific Resume Tips for Quantity Surveyors

Your quantity surveying resume must emphasize project values and budgets managed in clear metrics. Riyadh employers want to see: "Managed cost control for USD 850M mixed-use development (2.2M sqm GFA) from inception through practical completion, delivering 12% under final budget." Always quantify: contract values, project sizes, budget variance percentages, value engineering savings, team sizes managed, and claim settlements achieved.

Highlight contract form experience explicitly: FIDIC (Silver Book, Red Book, Yellow Book), NEC3/NEC4, JCT, or Saudi-specific contracts. Most Riyadh megaprojects use FIDIC, making this expertise essential. Specify your role: "Administered 14 FIDIC Silver Book contracts totaling SAR 2.8 billion, managing monthly valuations, variation orders, and EOT assessments."

List software proficiencies prominently: CostX (measurement and cost management), Candy CCS (contractor cost systems), WinQS, RIB iTWO, Primavera P6 (for contractors), Microsoft Project, Excel (advanced including macros and Power Query), and BIM platforms (Revit for 5D, CostX BIM integration, Navisworks). Many Riyadh projects require 5D BIM cost management, creating demand for technically proficient surveyors.

Address Saudization by demonstrating cultural awareness, previous Middle East experience, Arabic language skills (even basic cost terminology), and willingness to train Saudi graduate surveyors. Mention experience working with Saudi clients, understanding of Saudi procurement practices, or knowledge of Saudi government approval processes (Ministry of Finance, MOMRA, municipality requirements).

Include professional qualifications prominently: MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), RICS APC candidate status, PAQS, AIQS, or equivalent. MRICS qualification commands 15-25% salary premium and is strongly preferred by consultancies. Specify chartership pathway progress: "RICS APC candidate (Final Assessment scheduled May 2026)" demonstrates commitment to professional development.

Demonstrate sector expertise: infrastructure (roads, rail, utilities), commercial (offices, retail), residential (towers, villas, compounds), hospitality (hotels, resorts), healthcare, education, industrial (warehouses, factories), or cultural (museums, theaters). Riyadh's diverse project pipeline values surveyors who can transition between sectors while most specialize in 2-3 areas for credibility.

Emphasize value engineering and cost optimization achievements: "Led VE workshops generating SAR 45M savings (8.5% of construction cost) through structural system optimization, specification rationalization, and MEP coordination improvements without performance compromise." Saudi clients increasingly demand value optimization given project scale and budget pressures.

Quantity Surveyor Salary Expectations in Riyadh

Quantity surveyors in Riyadh earn highly competitive tax-free salaries. Mid-level quantity surveyors (5-8 years post-qualification) typically earn between SAR 11,000 to SAR 22,000 monthly (approximately USD 2,900 to USD 5,900), depending on employer prestige, sector specialization, and professional qualifications.

Graduate quantity surveyors (0-3 years) start at SAR 6,500-11,000 monthly, with top consultancies (Faithful+Gould, Turner & Townsend) offering higher starting salaries for graduates from recognized programs (Reading, Loughborough, UNSW, Deakin). Senior quantity surveyors (10+ years) with MRICS and sector expertise earn SAR 20,000-35,000 monthly. Associate directors and directors can exceed SAR 40,000-60,000 monthly with profit-sharing arrangements.

Compensation packages include housing allowance (SAR 2,500-7,000 depending on seniority and family status), transportation allowance (SAR 1,000-2,500), annual flights to home country (business class for senior roles), comprehensive medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity (one month salary per year worked). Some consultancies provide furnished apartments or housing compounds, particularly for senior hires or family relocations.

International consultancies (Turner & Townsend, AECOM, Faithful+Gould) typically offer 15-25% higher base salaries than regional firms but may provide fewer local benefits. Regional consultancies (Dar, Khatib & Alami) offer competitive total packages with better job security and clearer partnership paths. Contractor-side QS roles often pay 10-20% less than consultancy but may offer project completion bonuses.

Specializations commanding premiums: infrastructure QS (+15-20% due to metro/road project demand), claims and contract specialists (+20-30% for experienced professionals), 5D BIM quantity surveyors (+15-25%), and pre-construction/estimating specialists (+10-20%). MRICS qualification adds SAR 3,000-6,000 to monthly base salaries. Arabic fluency adds 10-15% premium.

Project-based performance bonuses are common, ranging from 10-20% of annual salary based on budget delivery, value engineering achievements, and client satisfaction metrics. Senior surveyors often negotiate profit participation tied to project fees or office profitability. Annual salary reviews typically result in 8-15% increases in current market conditions, with top performers receiving 15-25%.

Work Culture and Lifestyle for Quantity Surveyors in Riyadh

Riyadh quantity surveying firms operate on Sunday to Thursday schedules with Friday-Saturday weekends. Standard office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, though project deadlines may require extended hours during tender periods, monthly valuation cycles, or claim preparations. Site-based surveyors often start earlier (7:00 AM) to coordinate with construction activities.

The work environment is professional and multicultural. QS teams comprise Saudi nationals, expatriates from UK, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, and Philippines. English is the primary business language with Arabic used for contractor coordination, client meetings with government entities, and authority submissions. Technical documentation follows British (RICS, JCT) or international (FIDIC) standards.

Site visits are regular components of the role, requiring appropriate PPE (provided by employers) and adherence to Saudi summer work restrictions (June-August midday breaks). Many surveyors spend 2-3 days weekly in offices and 2 days on sites, though this varies by project phase and employer. Some roles are predominantly office-based (pre-construction, commercial management) while others require daily site presence (project QS).

Riyadh's professional community is well-networked with regular RICS events, Saudi Council of Engineers programs, and informal networking groups. The RICS Middle East Conference and Saudi Construction Forum provide professional development and business development opportunities. Many firms support RICS APC candidates with structured mentoring and study leave.

Quality of life in Riyadh has improved significantly with Vision 2030 social reforms. The city offers diverse dining (international cuisines, high-end restaurants), entertainment (concerts, sports events, festivals), shopping (luxury malls, traditional souks), and recreational facilities. Expat compounds provide Western-style amenities with pools, gyms, tennis courts, and social clubs. The city's excellent safety record and low crime rate create family-friendly environments.

Visa and Work Permit Requirements

Quantity surveyors require a Saudi iqama (residence permit) sponsored by their employer. The application process takes 4-8 weeks and includes medical examinations (conducted in Saudi Arabia), educational credential verification, police clearance certificates from home country, and biometric registration. Employers manage most procedures, but surveyors must provide notarized/attested degrees and experience certificates.

Educational credentials require verification through Saudi Cultural Bureau or embassy attestation in home country, then Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation upon arrival. Degrees from recognized universities process faster. Some employers require Saudi Council of Engineers registration, involving document submission, evaluation, and potentially examinations for non-GCC qualifications.

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) requires employer and employee contributions (total 11%: employer 9%, employee 2%) to social insurance. Expatriate quantity surveyors can claim accumulated GOSI contributions when permanently leaving Saudi Arabia, making it an effective forced savings program. Benefits accumulate at 9% of basic salary plus housing allowance.

Saudization (Nitaqat) regulations mandate Saudi-to-expatriate employee ratios. Quantity surveyors should verify that prospective employers are in "green" or "platinum" Nitaqat categories, ensuring stable work permit issuance and avoiding potential sponsorship issues. Leading consultancies typically exceed requirements and can sponsor more expatriates. Graduate and junior positions increasingly reserved for Saudi nationals.

The Premium Residency program allows quantity surveyors to obtain permanent residency for SAR 800,000 (permanent) or SAR 100,000 (annual renewable). Benefits include employer-independent residence, freedom to change jobs without sponsor approval, property ownership rights, business establishment ability, and flexible family sponsorship. Suitable for senior surveyors planning long-term Saudi careers with potential consultancy establishment aspirations.

Family sponsorship (spouse and unmarried children under 18, extended to 25 if full-time students) requires minimum monthly salary thresholds, typically SAR 4,000-5,000 depending on municipality. Dependents receive iqamas with healthcare access and education rights. International school fees range SAR 25,000-70,000 annually; senior surveyor packages often include education allowances of SAR 40,000-120,000 for multiple children.

Premium Resume Template for Quantity Surveyors in Riyadh

This Riyadh-optimized quantity surveying resume template has secured positions at Faithful+Gould, Turner & Townsend, AECOM, and major Saudi developers. The format emphasizes quantifiable achievements, contract expertise, and technical competencies valued by Riyadh employers.

Resume Structure

Header Section: Full name, professional title ("Chartered Quantity Surveyor MRICS" or "Quantity Surveyor"), contact details (phone with country code +966 if Saudi-based, professional email, LinkedIn profile), current location, and iqama status ("Saudi iqama holder - transferable" or "Currently outside Saudi Arabia, requires sponsorship"). Include "Available: [date]" for immediate or near-term availability.

Professional Summary (4-5 lines): "MRICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 9 years managing cost control for high-rise residential and mixed-use developments across Middle East and UK. Expertise in FIDIC contracts, 5D BIM cost management, and value engineering, delivering projects totaling USD 2.1 billion with average 8% under-budget performance. Proficient in CostX, Primavera P6, and advanced Excel. Seeking senior QS role in Riyadh's megaproject sector. Available: June 2026."

Key Competencies (2-column format): Pre-Contract Cost Planning & Estimating | Post-Contract Cost Control & Reporting | FIDIC Silver/Red/Yellow Book Administration | Value Engineering & Cost Optimization | Risk & Opportunity Management | Monthly Valuations & Payment Certificates | Variation Order Assessment | EOT & Claims Analysis | Final Account Settlement | 5D BIM Integration | CostX / WinQS / RIB iTWO | Primavera P6 | Advanced Excel & Power BI | Client & Stakeholder Management

Software & Technical Skills: Cost Management: CostX (takeoff & cost modeling), Candy CCS, WinQS, RIB iTWO | BIM: Revit (5D integration), CostX BIM, Navisworks | Planning: Primavera P6, Microsoft Project | Data Analysis: Excel (Advanced - VBA, Power Query, Pivot), Power BI dashboards | Contracts: FIDIC (all books), NEC3/NEC4, JCT | Standards: RICS NRM1/NRM2/NRM3, POMI, CESMM4

Professional Qualifications: MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) - #123456 | BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying, [University], [Year] - First Class | List chronologically with membership numbers and dates. Include any additional certifications: RICS APC Assessor, PMP, PRINCE2, LEED.

Work Experience (Achievement-Focused Format): For each role, lead with impact metrics:

Senior Quantity Surveyor | ABC Cost Consultants | Dubai, UAE | March 2019 - Present
Portfolio Overview: Managed cost control for 8 projects totaling USD 1.2 billion across residential towers (4), mixed-use (2), hospitality (1), and commercial (1) sectors
Key Achievements:
• Delivered SAR 125M cost savings (11% of total construction budget) through value engineering initiatives including structural optimization, specification rationalization, and procurement strategy improvements
• Administered 6 FIDIC Silver Book contracts (SAR 850M total value), managing monthly valuations, variation assessments, EOT claims, and final account settlements with 100% client acceptance
• Implemented 5D BIM workflows using CostX and Revit integration, reducing measurement discrepancies by 35% and enabling real-time cost tracking against program milestones
• Managed team of 4 quantity surveyors and 2 graduate trainees, providing technical mentoring and RICS APC supervision
• Successfully negotiated contractor claims totaling SAR 45M down to SAR 12M settlement through detailed cause-and-effect analysis and programming assessment

Featured Projects (subsection for major projects):
[Project Name] - [Location] | [Project Type] | [Your Role] | [Value] | [Status/Year]
• Brief description emphasizing cost challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved
• Example: "Premium residential tower (65 stories, 420 units, USD 285M) - Managed full cost lifecycle from feasibility (±30% estimate) through final account, delivering 9.5% under budget despite 14-month program extension. Administered FIDIC Silver Book, assessed 142 variation orders (SAR 38M), and settled contractor EOT claims saving client SAR 8.2M."

CV Optimization for Riyadh Market

Quantify everything: Contract values (SAR/USD), project sizes (sqm GFA, number of units/rooms, stories), budget variances (% and absolute values), value engineering savings, team sizes, number of contracts managed, claim settlements. Example: "Managed pre-contract cost planning for 12 projects (USD 650M total) with 94% accuracy between final estimate and tender return."

Emphasize FIDIC expertise: Riyadh megaprojects predominantly use FIDIC. Specify books administered, contract values, specific clauses managed (variations Clause 13, EOT Clause 20.1, claims Clause 20.2), and outcomes. Example: "Expert in FIDIC Clause 20 claims assessment, having evaluated 28 contractor claims totaling SAR 85M with average 68% rejection rate upheld through dispute boards."

Highlight sector diversity: Riyadh values surveyors who can work across sectors. List experience: infrastructure (value engineering for roads/utilities), high-rise (residential/commercial towers), hospitality (hotels/resorts), mixed-use (retail/office/residential), cultural (museums/theaters), healthcare, education, or industrial. Demonstrate adaptability while maintaining 1-2 core specializations.

Cover Letter Template for Riyadh QS Positions

Opening paragraph: "I am writing to apply for the Senior Quantity Surveyor position at [Company] as advertised on [Platform]. As an MRICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 10 years managing cost control for large-scale developments in the GCC and UK, totaling over USD 2 billion in construction value, I am excited to contribute to [Company's] work on [specific project if known]. My expertise in FIDIC contract administration, value engineering, and 5D BIM cost management aligns closely with the requirements outlined in your posting."

Body paragraph 1 (Riyadh-relevant experience): "My experience directly addresses Riyadh's megaproject requirements. At [Previous Company], I managed cost control for [specific project type and scale], delivering [quantified achievement]. I bring extensive FIDIC expertise, having administered [number] contracts totaling [value] across Silver, Red, and Yellow Books. My work in [mention any Saudi or GCC projects] has provided in-depth understanding of local procurement practices, Saudi Building Code cost implications, and municipality approval processes. I have consistently delivered projects 8-12% under budget through proactive cost management, value engineering, and risk mitigation."

Body paragraph 2 (Technical competency & added value): "I excel in cost optimization without compromising quality or performance. At [Company], I led value engineering initiatives generating [SAR amount] in savings ([%]) through [specific methodologies: structural system alternatives, specification optimization, procurement strategy]. My proficiency with 5D BIM (CostX, Revit integration) enables real-time cost tracking and early identification of budget risks. I have successfully managed contractor claims, reducing proposed settlements by an average of 65% through rigorous analysis and programming assessments. My experience mentoring junior surveyors and training graduate recruits aligns with Saudization objectives."

Closing paragraph: "I am particularly impressed by [Company's] reputation for [specific strength: technical excellence, project delivery, client relationships] and the opportunity to work on [project type/specific project]. I am confident my background in [relevant specialization] and commitment to cost discipline would add immediate value to your team. I am available for interviews at your convenience and can commence work [timeframe]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience can support [Company's] continued success in Riyadh's dynamic market."

Key tips: Research the company thoroughly and reference specific Riyadh projects. Demonstrate knowledge of their client base and project types. Emphasize quantifiable achievements (budget variance %, savings generated, contract values managed). If applying to international consultancies (T&T, AECOM), emphasize technical innovation and global standards; for regional firms (Dar, Khatib), emphasize regional experience and long-term commitment. Always specify RICS qualification status and Saudi iqama availability. Keep letter to one page, professional formatting matching CV style.