Associate Director - Advisory

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Director to lead complex advisory and transformation engagements across the UAE and wider Middle East. 

This role sits at the intersection of strategy, operating model design, organisational transformation and implementation. You will work closely with senior client stakeholders to define future-state ambition, solve complex organisational challenges, improve performance and enable the successful delivery of strategic priorities. 

This is not a traditional strategy consulting role focused solely on recommendations. We are looking for leaders who are equally comfortable shaping strategy, designing operating models, establishing governance arrangements, building organisational capability and supporting implementation. 

You will play a key role in leading client engagements, developing high performing teams and delivering impactful outcomes across a range of sectors. 

Key Responsibilities 

Client Leadership & Advisory 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and government leaders. 

• Lead strategic discussions to understand client challenges, opportunities and objectives. 

• Facilitate executive workshops, stakeholder engagement activities and decision-making forums. 

• Translate complex analysis into clear, actionable recommendations and implementation plans. 

• Build and maintain long-term client relationships. 

Strategy, Transformation & Operating Models 

• Lead the delivery of strategy, transformation and organisational improvement engagements. 

• Design capability-led target operating models aligned to organisational objectives. 

• Develop governance, performance and accountability frameworks. 

• Lead organisation design and business architecture initiatives. 

• Develop transformation roadmaps that translate ambition into delivery. 

Infrastructure & Major Programme Advisory 

• Advise organisations responsible for major infrastructure, transport, mobility, utilities, energy and development programmes. 

• Support organisational readiness and capability development linked to large-scale investments and transformation initiatives. 

• Connect organisational transformation requirements with programme delivery objectives. 

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions across people, process, technology, governance and delivery. 

Business Development & Practice Growth 

• Support proposals, bids and client pursuits. 

• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships. 

• Contribute to the development of advisory methodologies, and propositions.  

• Support regional business development activities and market growth objectives. 

People Leadership 

• Lead and develop high performing teams. 

• Coach and mentor consultants and managers. 

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. 

• Support recruitment, capability development and team growth. 

• Ensure effective project resourcing and team management. 

• Support clients through organisational change and implementation. 

• Ensure all project outputs are delivered to a high standard and provide measurable value. 

What Success Looks Like 

In this role, you will help clients to: 

• Define strategic direction and organisational priorities. 

• Design effective and sustainable operating models. 

• Establish governance, accountability and performance frameworks. 

• Build organisational capabilities required for future success. 

• Improve operational performance and service delivery. 

• Deliver successful transformation and organisational change. 

• Realise benefits from major investment and development programmes. 

• Translate strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. 

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience within consulting, advisory, transformation or organisational change environments. 

• Experience working with government, built environment, real estate, infrastructure, transport, utilities, water, energy or development organisations within the Middle East. 

• Demonstrable experience leading complex client engagements from inception through delivery. 

• Experience advising senior executives and government stakeholders. 

• Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills. 

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and multiple workstreams. 

• Strong commercial awareness and client relationship management capability. 

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. 

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.