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Specialist - Project Controls - Job Opportunity at AECOM

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 17, 2025
On-site
Based on AECOM's market position and Dubai's infrastructure sector compensation levels, this role likely offers AED 180,000 to AED 280,000 annually (USD 49,000 to USD 76,000), with additional benefits including housing allowance, transportation, and annual flight allowances typical for expatriate packages in the UAE.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage providing enhanced healthcare security in the UAE market
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits offering financial protection above regional standards
Disability benefits ensuring income protection which is uncommon in many regional employers
Paid time off and leave policies that exceed typical UAE market offerings
Voluntary benefits program allowing customization of benefit packages
Professional perks and flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance in a demanding market
Employee well-being resources and assistance programs demonstrating commitment to holistic employee care
Business travel insurance reflecting the international nature of infrastructure projects
Service recognition awards acknowledging career milestones and achievements
Retirement savings plan providing long-term financial security beyond regional norms
Employee stock purchase plan offering equity participation in a Fortune 500 company

Key Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional collaboration with Project Management teams and engineering disciplines to ensure seamless project execution and stakeholder alignment across complex infrastructure initiatives
Architect comprehensive Work Breakdown Structures and establish robust baseline budgets that serve as the foundation for multi-million dollar project financial management and performance tracking
Execute sophisticated Earned Value Analysis methodologies to provide executive-level insights into project performance, enabling data-driven decision making for strategic course corrections
Conduct comprehensive financial performance analysis against established baselines, identifying critical variances that impact project profitability and client satisfaction
Develop and deliver high-impact weekly progress reports that inform senior management decisions and maintain transparency with international clients and stakeholders
Perform advanced variance investigation and trend analysis to predict project outcomes and proactively address potential risks before they impact project delivery
Generate strategic cost projections and financial forecasts that guide resource allocation decisions and support business development efforts for future projects
Provide critical support for complex Intercompany Agreements that facilitate collaboration across AECOM's global network of offices and specialized divisions
Lead change management processes that protect project margins while maintaining client relationships and ensuring scope control across dynamic project environments
Deliver comprehensive project audit support and financial data analysis that ensures compliance with international standards and corporate governance requirements
Maintain sophisticated project financial documentation systems that support legal requirements and provide audit trails for Fortune 500 corporate standards
Proactively identify and quantify financial risks and opportunities, providing strategic recommendations that protect project profitability and enhance client value delivery

Requirements

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science or Engineering or relevant Degree from an accredited University

Experience

Typically, a minimum of 2-8 years of experience

Required Skills

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development Earned Value Analysis Financial performance analysis Project budget management Progress tracking and reporting Variance analysis Cost projection Change management processes Project audit support Financial terminology and data analysis Earned value concepts and methodologies Scope control principles Scheduling and cost baseline fundamentals Company financial and cornerstone systems

Certifications

Certified training in project controls systems
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by government stimulus packages, urbanization, and climate resilience initiatives, creating exceptional demand for project controls specialists who can manage complex, multi-billion dollar infrastructure programs. The Middle East region specifically is investing heavily in Vision 2030 initiatives, smart city developments, and sustainable infrastructure projects. Digital transformation in project controls is revolutionizing the profession, with advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-time data integration becoming standard requirements. Organizations are seeking specialists who can leverage technology platforms to provide predictive insights and automated reporting capabilities. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming central to infrastructure project evaluation, requiring project controls professionals to integrate sustainability metrics and social impact assessments into traditional financial and schedule analysis frameworks.

Role Significance

Typically manages project controls activities across 3-5 concurrent projects while collaborating with teams of 15-25 professionals including project managers, engineers, and financial analysts, often coordinating with international teams across AECOM's global network.
This mid-level specialist role serves as a critical bridge between project execution teams and senior management, wielding significant influence over project financial performance and strategic decision-making. The position requires independent judgment on complex financial matters and directly impacts project profitability across AECOM's regional portfolio.

Key Projects

Large-scale transportation infrastructure including metro systems, highways, and airport expansions valued at USD 100-500 million Smart city development projects incorporating sustainable technologies and digital infrastructure integration Water treatment and distribution systems supporting UAE's water security initiatives Mixed-use development projects combining residential, commercial, and infrastructure components Oil and gas facility upgrades and renewable energy infrastructure projects supporting economic diversification

Success Factors

Mastery of advanced project controls software and data analytics tools enables delivery of sophisticated financial analysis and predictive modeling that distinguishes high-performing specialists from their peers. The ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights is crucial for career advancement. Cultural intelligence and multilingual communication skills are essential for success in Dubai's diverse international business environment, where projects involve stakeholders from multiple countries and regulatory frameworks requiring nuanced relationship management. Proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies separate exceptional specialists from average performers, particularly in the dynamic Middle East market where geopolitical factors, regulatory changes, and economic fluctuations can significantly impact project outcomes. Technical expertise in earned value management and change control processes must be combined with business acumen to understand client priorities and market dynamics that drive project success in the competitive infrastructure consulting sector.

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by Dubai's massive infrastructure investments for Expo 2020 legacy projects, Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan implementation, and the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy requiring sophisticated project controls expertise.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Earned Value Management expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation of modern project controls and is required for all major infrastructure projects. This skill directly impacts project profitability and client satisfaction, making it indispensable for career advancement in the infrastructure sector. Advanced financial analysis and variance investigation capabilities distinguish successful project controls specialists and are crucial for identifying risks and opportunities that can save millions of dollars on large infrastructure projects. These skills are highly transferable and valued across industries. Change management and scope control expertise is critical in the dynamic infrastructure environment where project requirements evolve continuously due to regulatory changes, stakeholder feedback, and technical discoveries. Mastery of these processes protects project margins and maintains client relationships. Proficiency with enterprise project management systems and data analytics tools is essential for efficiency and accuracy in today's technology-driven project environment, enabling specialists to handle larger project portfolios and provide more sophisticated analysis.

Beneficial Skills

Digital project controls platforms and artificial intelligence tools for predictive analytics are becoming increasingly valuable as the industry embraces digital transformation, providing competitive advantage for specialists who master these emerging technologies. Sustainability and ESG reporting capabilities are growing in importance as infrastructure projects face increasing scrutiny regarding environmental impact and social responsibility, creating differentiation opportunities for specialists with these skills. Risk management and Monte Carlo simulation techniques enhance the value of project controls analysis and are particularly relevant for complex infrastructure projects with multiple interdependencies and external risk factors. Business development and client relationship skills enable project controls specialists to transition into commercial roles and contribute to firm growth, accelerating career advancement opportunities.

Unique Aspects

This role offers direct exposure to some of the world's most ambitious infrastructure projects, including smart city developments, sustainable transportation systems, and landmark architectural projects that define modern urban landscapes and provide exceptional portfolio development opportunities.
Working within AECOM's integrated project delivery model provides comprehensive understanding of the entire infrastructure development process, from initial feasibility studies through construction completion, offering broader career development than traditional consulting roles.
The Dubai location provides unique access to emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with opportunities for international project assignments and cross-cultural professional development that accelerates career growth in the global infrastructure sector.
Integration with AECOM's global network of technical specialists and thought leaders provides access to cutting-edge methodologies, advanced technology platforms, and industry best practices that maintain competitive advantage throughout one's career.

Career Growth

Career progression to senior roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing specialists, with program-level positions achievable within 5-7 years given the rapid infrastructure development pace in the UAE market.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Project Controls Manager overseeing multiple large-scale projects and mentoring junior staff while developing specialized expertise in specific infrastructure sectors Program Controls Manager responsible for coordinating project controls across integrated program portfolios worth hundreds of millions of dollars Regional Project Controls Director leading project controls strategy and standards across AECOM's Middle East and North Africa operations Client-side Project Director roles with government entities or major developers, leveraging consulting experience to drive projects from the owner's perspective

Company Overview

AECOM

AECOM stands as the world's premier infrastructure consulting firm with USD 16.1 billion in annual revenue and over 50,000 employees globally, maintaining market leadership through technical excellence and comprehensive service delivery across the entire project lifecycle. The company's integrated approach combining advisory, design, engineering, and construction management services provides unmatched value to clients.

AECOM holds the #1 global ranking in infrastructure consulting with dominant market positions in transportation, water, and environmental services, consistently winning the industry's largest and most complex projects through superior technical capabilities and international reach.
AECOM's Dubai office serves as a strategic hub for Middle East and North Africa operations, supporting major government initiatives including Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Saudi Vision 2030 projects, and Qatar's FIFA World Cup infrastructure legacy, positioning employees at the center of the region's transformation.
The company fosters a collaborative, performance-driven culture that emphasizes professional development, technical excellence, and global mobility opportunities, with strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion reflecting the international nature of infrastructure consulting.
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