Job Description

Associate Director - Cost Management Pre-Contract - AECOM - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Associate Director - Cost Management (Pre-Contract) at AECOM leads pre-contract cost management services for major buildings and infrastructure projects in Dubai. This senior role combines technical excellence, commercial leadership, client advisory, and team development to deliver value-driven outcomes across the full project lifecycle while supporting business growth.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Construction
Function: Cost Estimating
Salary: 30000-45000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Summary
The Associate Director is accountable for pre-contract cost management delivery, sector performance, and client engagement. The role leads proposals and bids, directs complex projects, manages financial performance, and mentors teams while acting as a trusted advisor to clients across planning, design, and delivery phases.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract cost management services from business case through commissioning
• Own annual business performance for an end market or sub-sector and implement aligned business plans
• Drive growth by securing new clients and expanding services with existing clients
• Lead client engagement and act as a strategic advisor across portfolios
• Oversee proposal preparation and lead bids for new opportunities
• Secure approvals for scope changes and additional services with contractual compliance
• Direct delivery of complex projects across the full lifecycle ensuring quality, schedule, and budget adherence
• Act as Workbench Project Director on active projects and manage delivery using approved systems
• Ensure compliance with Project Delivery Standards and quality assurance requirements
• Manage portfolio financial performance and take corrective actions as needed
• Ensure timely cash collection and strong commercial governance
• Interpret and present benchmark data to support client decision-making
• Lead and resource project teams, optimizing allocation within budget constraints
• Mentor, coach, and develop talent through performance management
• Represent AECOM in internal and external forums and build thought leadership
• Present project deliverables and strategic insights clearly to clients

Ideal Profile

• Extensive experience in cost management or quantity surveying within the UAE
• Strong pre-contract cost management background
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and grow client portfolios
• Experience delivering within integrated, multi-organization teams
• Sound knowledge of FIDIC contracts

Skills Set

• Pre-contract cost planning and estimating
• Commercial and financial management
• Bid leadership and client advisory
• Benchmarking and data-led decision support
• Project governance and quality assurance
• Team leadership and talent development

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years post-undergraduate experience
• Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying or Engineering or equivalent
• MRICS accreditation

Why Join Us

• Senior leadership role on high-profile capital projects
• Opportunity to shape sector growth and client outcomes
• Access to global expertise, tools, and career development
• Collaborative culture focused on excellence and innovation

About the Company
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering 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 clients to deliver sustainable, resilient solutions that create long-term value and a better world.
Job Title Associate Director - Cost Management Pre-Contract - AECOM - Dubai, UAE
Associate Director - Cost Management Pre-Contract - AECOM - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
The Associate Director - Cost Management (Pre-Contract) at AECOM leads pre-contract cost management services for major buildings and infrastructure projects in Dubai. This senior role combines technical excellence, commercial leadership, client advisory, and team development to deliver value-driven outcomes across the full project lifecycle while supporting business growth.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Construction
Function: Cost Estimating
Salary: 30000-45000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Summary
The Associate Director is accountable for pre-contract cost management delivery, sector performance, and client engagement. The role leads proposals and bids, directs complex projects, manages financial performance, and mentors teams while acting as a trusted advisor to clients across planning, design, and delivery phases.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead pre-contract cost management services from business case through commissioning
• Own annual business performance for an end market or sub-sector and implement aligned business plans
• Drive growth by securing new clients and expanding services with existing clients
• Lead client engagement and act as a strategic advisor across portfolios
• Oversee proposal preparation and lead bids for new opportunities
• Secure approvals for scope changes and additional services with contractual compliance
• Direct delivery of complex projects across the full lifecycle ensuring quality, schedule, and budget adherence
• Act as Workbench Project Director on active projects and manage delivery using approved systems
• Ensure compliance with Project Delivery Standards and quality assurance requirements
• Manage portfolio financial performance and take corrective actions as needed
• Ensure timely cash collection and strong commercial governance
• Interpret and present benchmark data to support client decision-making
• Lead and resource project teams, optimizing allocation within budget constraints
• Mentor, coach, and develop talent through performance management
• Represent AECOM in internal and external forums and build thought leadership
• Present project deliverables and strategic insights clearly to clients

Ideal Profile

• Extensive experience in cost management or quantity surveying within the UAE
• Strong pre-contract cost management background
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and grow client portfolios
• Experience delivering within integrated, multi-organization teams
• Sound knowledge of FIDIC contracts

Skills Set

• Pre-contract cost planning and estimating
• Commercial and financial management
• Bid leadership and client advisory
• Benchmarking and data-led decision support
• Project governance and quality assurance
• Team leadership and talent development

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years post-undergraduate experience
• Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying or Engineering or equivalent
• MRICS accreditation

Why Join Us

• Senior leadership role on high-profile capital projects
• Opportunity to shape sector growth and client outcomes
• Access to global expertise, tools, and career development
• Collaborative culture focused on excellence and innovation

About the Company
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering 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 clients to deliver sustainable, resilient solutions that create long-term value and a better world.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 30000.00
Salary to 45000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required