Aviation Cost & Commercial Director – Middle East

AtkinsRealis Project Management L.L.C. - S.P.C.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance

Medical insurance

Annual leave balance

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis seeks an Associate Director – Cost & Commercial (Aviation) to lead cost advisory and commercial strategies for major aviation projects in the Middle East. The role is client‑facing at senior stakeholder level and involves developing capital expenditure plans and governance frameworks.

You will lead a team, drive growth of aviation cost advisory, and collaborate with global cost consultancy teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• 18+ years of experience, including extensive aviation cost and commercial roles.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership/managerial role.
• Proven track record leading large aviation infrastructure projects and delivering advisory services.
• Strong understanding of aviation infrastructure and procurement models (EPC, D&B, PPP).
• Proficiency in cost management tools; advanced Excel and data analysis.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical, commercial and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost and commercial advisory services for aviation clients regionally.
• Define regional aviation cost and commercial strategy aligned with global best practices.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior stakeholders including airport authorities and investors.
• Lead development of CAPEX plans, cost models and investment strategies.
• Oversee procurement strategies and contract frameworks for major programmes.
• Mentor and lead a team of cost and commercial professionals.
• Develop and maintain a robust aviation cost benchmark database.
• Drive business development, client engagement and key account management.
• Lead preparation of strategic bids and commercial submissions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure governance, risk management and financial control across engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Cost management

Aviation sector experience

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

CostX

SAP

Excel

Job description

AtkinsRéalis seeks an Associate Director – Cost & Commercial (Aviation) to lead cost advisory and commercial strategies for major aviation projects in the Middle East. The role is client‑facing at senior stakeholder level and involves developing capital expenditure plans and governance frameworks.

You will lead a team, drive growth of aviation cost advisory, and collaborate with global cost consultancy teams to deliver integrated solutions.