Associate Director - Aviation Cost & Commercial

AtkinsRéalis; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance

Medical insurance

Annual leave balance

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Associate Director – Cost & Commercial (Aviation) to lead cost advisory and commercial strategy for major aviation projects in the Middle East from our Abu Dhabi/Middle East hub.

You will drive development of cost models, manage client relationships, and oversee procurement frameworks for complex airport programmes, ensuring high standards of governance and value delivery across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• 18+ years of experience across cost and commercial roles in aviation
• Senior leadership or managerial experience in large aviation programmes

Responsibilities

• Lead cost and commercial advisory services for Middle East aviation clients at strategic level.
• Define and implement regional aviation cost and commercial strategy.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior stakeholders including airport authorities and investors.
• Lead development of capital expenditure plans, cost models, and investment strategies.
• Oversee commercial structuring, procurement strategies, and contract frameworks.
• Mentor a team of cost and commercial professionals.
• Develop and maintain aviation cost benchmark database for advisory work.
• Drive business development, client engagement, and key account management.
• Lead preparation of strategic bids and commercial submissions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure governance, risk management, and financial control across engagements.

Skills

Cost management

Commercial strategy

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Data analysis

Primavera

CostX

SAP

Excel

Aviation infrastructure knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quantity Surveying

Tools

Primavera

CostX

SAP

Excel

Job description

AtkinsRéalis is seeking an Associate Director – Cost & Commercial (Aviation) to lead cost advisory and commercial strategy for major aviation projects in the Middle East from our Abu Dhabi/Middle East hub.

You will drive development of cost models, manage client relationships, and oversee procurement frameworks for complex airport programmes, ensuring high standards of governance and value delivery across projects.