Associate Director - Cost Management Masterplanning - AECOM - Dubai, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 357,120 - 535,680; Full time

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking an Associate Director - Cost Management in Dubai to shape cost strategy for infrastructure-led developments. You will lead cost planning, provide commercial governance, and oversee project teams.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of development economics, strong leadership experience in similar projects, and 12-15 years in the field. AECOM offers opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.

Qualifications

• Typically 12-15+ years of experience delivering major infrastructure, mixed-use, or complex developments.
• Demonstrated leadership on large-scale, mixed-use, and masterplanning projects.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior clients, designers, and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning and commercial strategy for large-scale masterplanning.
• Provide strategic cost advice at program and portfolio level.
• Ensure alignment between design intent, development strategy, and cost outcomes.

Skills

Masterplanning and infrastructure cost planning

Early-stage cost modelling and feasibility analysis

Commercial strategy and governance

Benchmarking and cost-led optimization

Risk management and value engineering

Resource planning and team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS accreditation

Job description

Associate Director - Cost Management Masterplanning - AECOM - Dubai, UAE

Position Overview

The Associate Director - Cost Management (Masterplanning and Infrastructure) at AECOM plays a senior leadership role in shaping cost strategy for large-scale, mixed-use and infrastructure-led developments in Dubai. This role focuses on early-stage cost planning, commercial strategy, and advisory support from concept through pre‑tender, working closely with clients, designers, and internal leadership to deliver optimized, value‑led outcomes.

Job Details

• Country: UAE
• City: Dubai
• Industry: Construction
• Function: Cost Estimating
• Salary: 32000-48000 monthly (Market estimated)
• Gender: Any
• Candidate Nationality: Any
• Job Type: Full‑time

Role Summary

The Associate Director is responsible for leading cost planning and commercial governance for complex masterplanning and mixed‑use developments. The role provides strategic cost advice at program and portfolio level, oversees multi‑project teams, and ensures alignment between design intent, development strategy, and cost outcomes while supporting growth across key market sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning and commercial strategy for large‑scale masterplanning, mixed‑use, and infrastructure‑led developments
• Provide strategic cost and commercial advice to support client decision‑making at program and portfolio level
• Lead project setup, scope definition, delivery strategy, and commercial governance from appointment through completion
• Advise on phasing strategies, development yields, benchmarking, and cost‑led masterplan optimization
• Ensure alignment between design intent, development strategy, and cost outcomes
• Provide senior technical leadership across feasibility, concept, schematic, and detailed design cost planning stages
• Oversee and challenge cost models, benchmarks, risk allowances, contingencies, and value engineering proposals
• Lead and oversee multiple project teams across a diverse project portfolio
• Plan, allocate, and manage resources to achieve delivery excellence within agreed fees, programs, and utilization targets
• Contribute to the growth of frameworks, key accounts, and priority market sectors
• Support the development of service offerings, cost tools, benchmarks, and thought leadership initiatives

Ideal Profile

• Strong commercial acumen with proven experience advising clients on early‑stage development and infrastructure costs
• Demonstrated leadership on large‑scale, mixed‑use, and masterplanning projects
• Ability to engage confidently with senior clients, designers, and internal stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with a strong understanding of development economics and feasibility

Skills Set

• Masterplanning and infrastructure cost planning
• Early‑stage cost modelling and feasibility analysis
• Commercial strategy and governance
• Benchmarking and cost‑led optimization
• Risk management and value engineering
• Resource planning and team leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying
• MRICS accreditation
• Typically 12‑15 plus years of experience delivering major infrastructure, mixed‑use, or complex developments

Why Join Us

• Senior leadership role on landmark masterplanning and infrastructure developments
• Opportunity to influence cost strategy at early concept stages
• Work within a global consultancy with strong regional presence
• Access to professional growth, thought leadership, and industry recognition

About the Company

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services across buildings, transportation, water, environment, energy, and program and construction management. Operating in Dubai and across the Middle East, AECOM partners with public and private sector clients to deliver innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions that shape communities and create long‑term value.