Associate Director Cost Management

AESGDubaigulftalentpublished 10/10/2026
Must-have:LeadPrincipal

About the company

Due to the continuing success and growth of our AESG team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award-winning specialist consultancy, engineering and advisory firm. We are headquartered in London, Riyadh, Singapore and Dubai, Cape Town, Cairo & Sydney working throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: building engineering, planning and infrastructure, strategy and advisory and commissioning, handover and asset management. We pride ourselves in being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated teams with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable design, fire and life safety, cost management, façade engineering, commissioning, building performance, waste management, environmental consultancy, carbon management and acoustics.

Your tasks

Demonstrate proficiency in overseeing the successful delivery of projects within the cost management division. Ensure client loyalty by effectively managing repeat work, leading to the successful retention of key clients. Drive efficiency in project delivery and execution by employing strategic management practices. Uphold high levels of staff satisfaction and retention by fostering a healthy work environment. Spearhead team development initiatives, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work culture.

Expertise in strategic planning and execution. Oversees multiple functions or business units.

  • Lead and deliver large, complex client engagements and projects on behalf of the division and company (if required).
  • Delegate duties to employees to complete projects, streamline day-to-day activities, or meet new objectives.
  • Independently manage complex projects and resolve complex project issues.
  • Support the commercial success and stability of the cost management division.
  • Demonstrate expertise in discipline with a proven track record of success.
  • Support the division director as needed with all projects and duties.
  • Support the development of procedures to improve the division's function and efficiency.
  • Lead and implement AESG business development within the sector of expertise.
  • Lead project management functions AESG wise (internal AESG project management on projects and not client project management).
  • Maintain a client-facing role with specific responsibility to develop future work.

Requirements

Qualification / experience

  • BSc or MSc degree level in a quantity surveying or contracts related field.
  • Minimum 10+ years of working experience.
  • 5 years strong management experience, leading a team of subject matter experts.
  • MRICS or equivalent.

Competencies

  • Leadership / management skills: Line management of divisional staff. Supporting all staff in the effective management of their projects, providing strong guidance, and setting exemplary standards to all team leads or project delivery managers.
  • Communication / collaboration: Communicate the organisation's vision, goals, and strategies to a wider audience. Adept at articulating complex ideas to various stakeholders, including the C-suite and clients. Guide teams in aligning their work with the organisation's overarching objectives.
  • Technical knowledge / expertise: Play pivotal role in shaping technical strategies and approaches and aligning to business objectives. Technical leadership of the division. Full technical accountability for division or large-scale projects (over $5m).
  • Creativity / innovation: Oversee multiple technical teams and make decisions that impact the organisation's technology roadmap. Drive technical innovation in the industry.
  • Client focus / relationship building: Accountability for client relationship management in division.
  • Strategic vision / planning: Analyse industry trends, competitive landscapes and emerging opportunities to inform the organisation's strategy.

Demonstrated knowledge base and professional skillset

  • Time management / planning: Individuals often oversee multiple projects or programs. Skilled at portfolio management, aligning projects with organisational goals, and ensuring that resources are allocated strategically.
  • Industry experience / thought leadership: Widely recognised as a technical industry leader in the field. Active leadership in industry professional groups and conferences.
  • Project management / operational delivery: Have managed multi-faceted projects valued exceeding $5m from inception to completion with high level of client feedback. Independently manage high level, complex projects.
  • Leadership / team management experience: Expertise in strategic planning and execution. Oversees multiple functions or business units.
  • Commercial acumen / business development: Managing a portfolio of projects, optimising resource allocation across projects, and aligning them with the organisation's financial objectives. Manage multiple client relationships as key client account manager. Strong understanding of commercials and contracts.
  • Problem solving / decision making: Responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a department or division. Make high-level decisions related to resource allocation, process optimisation and goal setting. Adept at managing complex and multifaceted issues.
  • Employee focus / process compliance: Leaders in employee-centric experience, responsible for setting AESG's overall strategy. Work closely with the executive team to create a culture that attracts, retains, and empowers top talent. Lead transformational change efforts and ensure that AESG's values are deeply embedded in all aspects of the employee experience.