Associate Director - Cost Management - AECOM Middle East - Dubai, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 334,800 - 424,080; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for career progression

Collaborative workplace

Work with global experts

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking an Associate Director - Cost Management in Dubai to lead high-profile cost management operations across major projects. The role encompasses full lifecycle management, client engagement, and team leadership, ensuring adherence to quality and project governance standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience in cost management or quantity surveying, with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in a consultancy environment. This position offers opportunities for significant career advancement and participation in innovative projects that shape Dubai's infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years post-graduate experience in cost management or quantity surveying.
• Strong pre-contract cost management background in UAE consultancy environments.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing collaborative project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual business performance for the assigned market or sector.
• Develop and implement business plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Build pipelines by securing new clients and expanding services.

Skills

Advanced cost planning and estimating

Pre-contract strategy and bid leadership

Lifecycle cost management

FIDIC contract expertise

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying or Engineering

MRICS accreditation

Job description

Position Overview

Associate Director - Cost Management role leads high-profile cost management operations across major Buildings, Places, and Infrastructure projects in Dubai. The position oversees full lifecycle cost management, sector growth strategy, client engagement, and team leadership, supporting AECOM's expanding regional portfolio.

Job Details

• Country: UAE
• City: Dubai
• Industry: Engineering
• Function: Cost Estimating
• Salary: 30000-38000 monthly (Market estimated)
• Gender: Any
• Candidate Nationality: Any
• Job Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead annual business performance for the assigned market or sector
• Develop and implement business plans aligned with organizational objectives
• Build pipelines by securing new clients and expanding services with existing ones
• Act as strategic advisor to key clients and manage senior-level engagement
• Lead proposals, bids, and contract negotiations
• Oversee entire lifecycle delivery of complex capital projects and programs
• Act as Workbench Project Director and ensure compliance with Project Delivery Standards
• Control financial performance, take corrective actions, and ensure timely cash collection
• Interpret benchmark data and present strategic insights to clients
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary project teams and manage resource allocation
• Mentor and develop team members to strengthen long-term capability
• Represent AECOM at internal and external forums, strengthening industry presence
• Ensure full adherence to quality assurance and internal project governance
• Support talent development through coaching and performance management

Ideal Profile

• Minimum 12 years post-graduate experience in cost management or quantity surveying
• Strong pre-contract cost management background in UAE consultancy environments
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multi-organization, collaborative project teams
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior client stakeholders
• Strong command of FIDIC and commercial management workflows
• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying or Engineering
• MRICS accreditation is mandatory
• Strong communication, leadership, and commercial acumen

Skills Set

• Advanced cost planning and estimating
• Pre-contract strategy and bid leadership
• Lifecycle cost management
• Sector business planning and growth strategy
• FIDIC contract expertise
• Client relationship management
• Commercial, financial, and performance oversight
• Team leadership and organizational development

Why Join Us

• Lead major cost management programs shaping Dubai's built environment
• Work with global experts on complex, high-value projects
• Opportunities for career progression into senior leadership roles
• Collaborative workplace committed to innovation, quality, and long-term growth

About the Company

AECOM Middle East is a leading engineering, cost management, and infrastructure consultancy based in Dubai, delivering sustainable, innovative project solutions across transportation, buildings, water, environment, and energy. With global expertise and strong local capability, AECOM enables clients to deliver world-class, future-ready developments across the GCC.