Associate Director Cost Management Pre Contract

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 367,000 - 515,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Dubai is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Cost Management. This role focuses on delivering high-profile projects through comprehensive cost management throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate has significant experience in the Cost Management field, particularly in pre-contract scenarios. Strong leadership skills and the capability to foster client relationships are essential. This position provides opportunities for career growth and development within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and leaves of absence

Retirement savings plan

Qualifications

• 12+ years of post-undergraduate experience in Cost Management.
• Strong pre-contract cost management experience.
• Experience in collaborative teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual business performance and client engagement.
• Develop and implement business plans aligning with goals.
• Oversee proposal preparation and manage project delivery.

Skills

Cost Management expertise

Client relationship building

FIDIC contract knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying or Engineering

MRICS accreditation

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is looking for an experienced Associate Director - Cost Management (Pre Contract) to support our exciting growth plans, working with our key clients, supporting the successful delivery of our clients capital projects and programmes of work. You will be joining an established team of like‑minded experts that have a passion for innovation and delivering cutting‑edge solutions.

As an Associate Director - Cost Management within our Buildings & Places & Infrastructure team, you will provide a comprehensive, accurate and value‑driven service for large, high‑profile and exciting key clients.

The role will be biased to pre‑contract but cover all aspects of cost management throughout the whole project lifecycle from initial inception / business case through to completion / commissioning. The role also provides the opportunity to support the growth of the business and management/development of team members.

Duties include (but not limited to):

• Lead the annual business performance of an end market or sub‑end market sector.
• Develop and implement a business plan for the sector, aligning it with broader organisational goals.
• Drive growth by identifying and securing new clients, and expanding services with existing clients to build a sustainable pipeline of work.
• Lead client engagement across the end market, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
• Oversee the preparation of proposals and lead bids for new opportunities.
• Secure client approval for any scope changes or additional services, ensuring contractual compliance.
• Accountable for the successful delivery of complex projects across the full lifecycle, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
• Act as Workbench Project Director on at least one active project, managing project services using Workbench and other relevant systems.
• Actively manage and regulate financial performance across the portfolio, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure timely cash collection for the end market and associated projects.
• Interpret and present benchmark data to clients to support informed decision‑making.
• Provide leadership and direction to project teams, fostering an engaged, high‑performing workforce.
• Manage resources across the sector or large‑scale projects, ensuring optimal allocation within budget constraints.
• Support talent development through mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
• Represent the company in internal and external networking activities.
• Enhance the company’s and your professional profile as an industry leader or thought leader by actively participating in sector forums, publications, or speaking engagements.
• Present project deliverables and strategic insights to clients with clarity and confidence, ensuring alignment with their objectives.

Skills/experience required:

• Significant experience and strong track record in the Cost Management/Quantity Surveying field, ideally within the UAE.
• Strong pre‑contract cost management experience.
• Experience of undertaking cost/commercial management as part of integrated, multi‑organisation, collaborative teams.
• Ability to identify and influence key client stakeholders, building effective relationships to grow workload/portfolio.
• Good working knowledge of FIDIC contracts.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 12 years post‑undergraduate experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and/or Engineering (or equivalent) from an accredited, internationally recognised institution or University.
• MRICS accreditation.

Additional Information

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public‑ and private‑sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to programme and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects – both in your local community and on a global scale – that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting‑edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award‑winning training and development programmes are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community – where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.