Associate - Project Controls

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a detail-oriented Project Controls Specialist for our Dubai, UAE team. You will develop and maintain detailed project schedules, monitor progress, manage baselines, and provide actionable insights to keep programs on track.

With 10+ years in project controls, you will perform critical path analysis, forecasting, and cost oversight, collaborating with PMs and clients to drive informed decisions and successful delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in project controls, scheduling, or related PM functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred).
• Formal project controls or scheduling certifications such as PMI-CP, DRHP, or equivalent (advantageous but not essential).
• Professional certifications in risk management or earned value management (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules and program plans using industry-standard tools.
• Monitor project progress against baselines and identify schedule risks, impacts, and dependencies.
• Manage schedule baselines and support program change management processes.
• Provide comprehensive schedule analysis and strategic advice to project managers and delivery teams.
• Conduct critical path analysis and scenario planning to optimize delivery timelines.
• Support monthly project reporting and performance reviews with accurate data.
• Monitor project costs, budgets, and forecasts to ensure financial accountability.
• Undertake variance analysis and deliver performance reporting to stakeholders.
• Support risk management, change control, and Earned Value Management activities.
• Develop forecasting models and trend analysis to predict project outcomes.

Skills

Project scheduling

Progress monitoring

Critical path analysis

Budget & EV management

Stakeholder communication

Change management

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Project Management/Engineering/Construction Management

Preferred:PMI-CP or equivalent certifications

Job description

Job 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

We're looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Project Controls Specialist to join our dynamic team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this role, you'll be the backbone of our project delivery operations, working closely with project managers, technical teams, and clients to develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, monitor progress, and identify risks and impacts to successful project delivery. You'll transform complex project data into clear, actionable insights that drive informed decision-making and keep our programs on track.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules and program plans using industry-standard tools
• Monitor project progress against established baselines and identify schedule risks, impacts, and dependencies
• Manage schedule baselines and support program change management processes
• Provide comprehensive schedule analysis and strategic advice to project managers and delivery teams
• Conduct critical path analysis and scenario planning to optimize project delivery timelines
• Support monthly project reporting and performance reviews with accurate, transparent data
• Monitor project costs, budgets, and forecasts to ensure financial accountability
• Undertake variance analysis and deliver performance reporting to stakeholders
• Support risk management, change control, and Earned Value Management activities
• Develop forecasting models and trend analysis to predict project outcomes
• Collaborate closely with project managers, technical teams, and clients to ensure alignment
• Communicate complex project information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Present schedule updates and performance metrics confidently and professionally
• Build trusted relationships and navigate challenging project conversations with transparency and empathy
• Facilitate effective communication between internal teams and external stakeholders
• Analyze program drivers and identify factors influencing project delivery
• Evaluate the impact of changes on project scope, schedule, and budget
• Provide strategic recommendations to optimize program performance and efficiency
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within project controls processes

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in project controls, scheduling, or related project management functions
• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred)
• Formal project controls or scheduling certifications such as PMI-CP, DRHP, or equivalent (advantageous but not essential)
• Professional certifications in risk management or earned value management (preferred)

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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 program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. 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 programs 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.

Requirements: