Associate Director – Cost Management – Pre

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 h 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.

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.

• 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.
• Ensure all deliverables comply with internal Project Delivery Standards (PDS) and quality assurance requirements.
• 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.

• 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…