Associate Director - Cost Estimating and Management (Aviation)

Role Overview

Associate Director – Cost Estimating and Management (Aviation) at AtkinsRéalis. This is a senior leadership position based in the Middle East, providing expert cost advice and advisory services to airport clients across the region.

Company Overview

AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization that connects people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. The company operates globally through consultants, designers, engineers and project managers committed to engineering a better future for the planet and its people.

Role Purpose

To lead the development, oversight, and governance of cost and commercial strategies for major aviation programmes and capital investments. This role serves as the regional focal point for aviation cost and commercial excellence, driving strategic cost leadership and client advisory services while growing the aviation cost advisory capability across the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Cost Leadership

• Lead all aspects of cost and commercial advisory services to aviation clients across the Middle East at strategic and programme level.
• Define and implement regional aviation cost and commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
• Operate with a top-down strategic cost approach, leveraging global benchmarks and deep understanding of aviation asset development to influence client investment decisions and project outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a robust aviation cost benchmark database to support advisory services and strategic decision-making.

Client Advisory & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, including airport authorities, government entities, and private investors.
• Lead business development, client engagement, and key account management within the aviation sector.
• Serve as the interface between the Aviation Market team and broader Cost Consultancy and Management teams across the region and globally.
• Operate at senior stakeholder and executive level with strong client-facing presence.

Capital Planning & Commercial Structuring

• Lead development of capital expenditure plans, cost models, and investment strategies for complex aviation infrastructure projects.
• Oversee commercial structuring, procurement strategies, and contract frameworks for major programmes.
• Drive strategic bids, proposals, and commercial submissions for major aviation opportunities.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and mentor a team of cost and commercial professionals, ensuring high-quality delivery and capability development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions across large-scale programmes.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and financial control across all engagements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum 18 years of experience in cost and commercial roles within the aviation sector.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial role.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale aviation infrastructure projects and capital programmes and delivering strategic cost advisory and commercial management services.
• Strong understanding of Aviation infrastructure, including terminals, airside, and landside developments.
• Strong understanding of Procurement and commercial models (EPC, Design & Build, PPP, etc.).
• Professional certification (e.g., MRICS, FRICS, PMP, CCP) is preferred.
• Experience with major international airport operators or aviation authorities is preferred.
• Familiarity with ICAO, FAA, or EASA standards is preferred.
• Experience working across multiple geographies, with Middle East experience highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in cost management tools (e.g., Primavera, CostX, SAP, or similar).
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and strategic thinking skills.

Additional Information

Employment Details

• Contract Type: Contractual (Fixed Term)
• Worker Type: Employee

Benefits

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation and housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.