Associate Director - Cost Estimating and Management (Aviation)

Overview

AtkinsRéalis are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Associate Director – Cost Management to lead and manage pre-contract cost consultancy services across high-profile projects based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in cost planning, procurement strategy, and tender documentation, and will play a pivotal role in client engagement, team leadership, and business development.

Your Role

We are seeking an Associate Director - Cost Estimating and Management (Aviation) to join our team and take the lead in providing our airport clients with expert, cost advice and advisory services.

Utilising your extensive experience across global aviation projects and within the Middle East, you will lead the development, oversight, and governance of cost and commercial strategies for major aviation programmes and capital investments. You will be responsible for leading cost advisory services, commercial structuring, and financial planning across large and complex airport developments.

You will act as the regional focal point for aviation cost and commercial excellence, leading bids, client engagement, and project delivery, while driving growth of the aviation cost advisory capability. You will possess a strong track record in strategic cost leadership, commercial management, and client advisory, with deep aviation sector expertise.

You will operate with a 'top-down' strategic cost approach, leveraging global benchmarks, deep understanding of aviation asset development, procurement methodologies, and commercial frameworks to influence client investment decisions and project outcomes.

This role will be highly client-facing, operating at senior stakeholder and executive level, while also acting as the interface between the Aviation Market team and broader Cost Consultancy and Management teams across the region and globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of cost and commercial advisory services to aviation clients across the Middle East at a strategic and program level
• Define and implement regional aviation cost and commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with global best practices
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, including airport authorities, government entities, and private investors
• 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
• Lead and mentor a team of cost and commercial professionals, ensuring high-quality delivery and capability development
• Develop and maintain a robust aviation cost benchmark database to support advisory services and strategic decision-making
• Drive business development, client engagement, and key account management within the aviation sector
• Lead preparation of strategic bids, proposals, and commercial submissions for major aviation opportunities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions across large-scale programmes
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and financial control across all engagements

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum 18 years of experience, including:
• Extensive 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.)
• 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.
• Professional certification (e.g., MRICS, FRICS, PMP, CCP) is preferred.
• Experience with major international airport operators or aviation authorities.
• Familiarity with ICAO, FAA, or EASA standards.
• Experience working across multiple geographies, with Middle East experience highly desirable.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances (available for remote work locations).
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.