Associate Director - Cost Consultancy

Mace Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy firm is seeking a skilled professional to oversee procurement strategies, provide technical guidance, and manage cost planning in Abu Dhabi. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in quantity surveying and have strong leadership experience with large teams. Responsibilities include cost control, stakeholder relationship management, and driving transformational improvements. The company champions a safe, inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse candidates.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Continuous improvement culture

Diverse and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).
• Professional membership MRICS/RICS or equivalent.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Sound knowledge of value engineering and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Advise on procurement strategies and contract selection.
• Lead estimating and cost planning activities.
• Manage cost control, valuations, reporting, and financial governance.
• Ensure high performance and professional development of teams.

Skills

Strong commercial and financial acumen

Leadership and management experience

Knowledge of value engineering and contract law

Ability to manage relationships with stakeholders

Education

Degree in quantity surveying/cost management or equivalent

Professional membership (MRICS/RICS or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in March subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project

This portfolio comprises projects either directly managed by the client team or delivered by leading third party developers under the client’s leadership. It includes a diverse range of projects, spanning new construction, master planning schemes and executive fit out works

You’ll be responsible

• Advises on procurement strategies and contract selection, producing detailed procurement reports and driving all procurement stages to completion.
• Provides expert technical and functional guidance, applying value management techniques during early project phases.
• Leads estimating and cost planning activities, taking ownership of preparation and presentation of final cost plans.
• Oversees preparation and formal execution of contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses.
• Manages cost control, valuations, reporting, and financial governance including design change costs, construction costs, and client charge management.
• Evaluates claims for delays and additional costs, and manages certificates of practical completion, defect rectification, and final account agreement.
• Lights large teams, ensuring high performance, KPI delivery, continuous improvement, and professional development through coaching and performance management.
• Promotes best‑practice processes, drives transformational improvements, and collaborates to support net‑zero carbon goals by managing associated emissions and reduction opportunities.

You’ll need to have

• Degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).
• Professional membership i.e. MRICS/RICS (or equivalent) and moving towards fellowship, or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Sound knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, contract law and contractual frameworks relating to construction.
• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

Please remember the Employee Referral Scheme and if there are any talented people you can recommend, just click the button and use the ‘Refer a friend’ feature found within the relevant job.