Technical Associate Director - Cost Management & Digital Delivery

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Dubai is seeking a senior cost management professional with a strong pre‑contract background to lead cost planning and BoQ generation for regional projects. The role balances internal process optimization with client engagement and strategic proposals.

You will drive cost efficiency, teach and mentor teams, and help integrate digital tools across the DTB initiatives while collaborating with global SMEs. This is a contract role based in Dubai South.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in pre‑contract cost management.
• Pre‑contract experience within a consultancy is essential.
• Extensive exposure to Cost Planning at all stages.
• RICS membership is required.
• Experience with operational aspects of a business is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to enhance pre‑contract cost management delivery in UAE projects.
• Drive cost planning efficiency and BoQ generation improvements.
• Implement and optimize processes for clear, repeatable outcomes.
• Contribute to Guidance usage including regional training and standards.
• Act as a technical expert within Dubai South and expanding regionally over time.
• Develop Design‑to‑Budget obligations on design appointments for digital transformation.
• Create training material and coach team members with UK/global SMEs support.
• Support AI development initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Engage with clients and lead proposals and bids when needed.

Skills

Cost Planning

Pre-Contract Experience

RICS Member

QS/Engineering degree

Business Operations exposure

Contracting/Delivery

Education

QS or Engineering degree

Job description

Role Overview

The role is a dynamic position that involves a balanced focus on both internal and external responsibilities (50/50). The role is based in the Dubai South office and is pivotal in driving efficiency in pre‑contract delivery and market‑leading digital solutions regionally. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving the efficient and effective use of existing digital tools (CostX BIM Power BI) influencing key stakeholders contributing to DTB (Design To Budget) initiatives across BP and fostering a culture of learning and coaching. Additionally the role will involve engagement with the global technical and digital leads and ideally incorporate AI development.

Key Responsibilities

• Internal Focus (50%)
  • Lead initiatives to enhance the efficiency of project delivery particularly in Measurement Cost Planning and BoQ generation.
  • Implement and optimize solutions to develop clear processes and improve outcomes.
  • Contribute to the implementation & use of GUIDE including streamlining regional usage training.
  • Act as a technical expert within the organization starting with driving standards in the Dubai South team and other UAE pre‑contract teams and moving onto the wider regional business and other supporting functions over time (e.g., EC and PCC India).
  • Develop efficient solutions providing Design to Budget obligations on Design Appointments supporting the organization’s digital transformation goals.
  • Develop and refine training material, train and coach team members increasing their capabilities in this area. Liaise with UK and global SMEs to ensure consistency.
  • Create and maintain a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
  • Guide and contribute to AI development projects ensuring the integration of cutting‑edge technologies to enhance business operations.
• External Focus (50%)
  • Lead pre‑contract cost management delivery on projects with support from appropriate teams in the UAE.
  • Implement and lead by example by using solutions developed above.
  • Assist and/or lead proposals and bids.
  • Assist in building a strong backlog / pipeline with a key focus on repeat work from quality delivery.
  • Develop and maintain good relationships with clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in this field.
• Must have pre‑contract experience within a consultancy.
• Must have extensive exposure to Cost Planning at all stages.
• RICS membership.
• Experience in operational aspects of a business is beneficial.
• Must have a QS or Engineering or similar degree.

Additional Information

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, paid time off/leave 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.
• Remote Work: No
• Employment Type: Contract

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