About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Director to join our growing Cost Management team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in strategic cost reduction, zero-based budgeting (ZBB), cost allocation, FP&A transformation, and post-deal performance improvement — with a proven track record of delivery in the UAE and regional markets.
This role is suited for a hands-on professional who can lead client engagements, develop financial models and cost allocation frameworks, and support implementation of cost optimization initiatives across government, energy, industrials, and consumer sectors.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead the design and implementation of strategic cost management frameworks, including Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB), and Cost-to-Serve models
· Develop and institutionalize cost transparency tools to enable informed decision-making across functions (e.g., pricing, budgeting, shared services, SG&A)
· Translate financial and operational data into actionable insights through cost driver analysis, cost allocation matrices, and scenario modelling
· Deliver cost management programs for e.g. ZBB, ABC, etc. for public and private sector clients, defining cost baselines, challenge processes, and budget ownership frameworks
· Support clients in developing activity maps and value-driver trees for improved resource planning and spend visibility
· Conduct benchmarking and comparative analysis to assess cost performance across peer groups or business units
· Be familiar with tools like Ms Excel, Anaplan, and Power BI
· Prepare and present client-ready deliverables, including diagnostic assessments, implementation roadmaps, and cost optimization playbooks
· Contribute to internal knowledge development
· Support business development through proposal development, thought leadership, and client relationship management
Key Requirements
· 7–9 years of relevant experience in management consulting, advisory preferably with a Big 4 or Tier-1 firm
· Strong UAE market knowledge with exposure to public sector cost structures and government-linked clients
· Deep expertise in Zero-Based Budgeting, Cost Allocation, Working Capital, and FP&A process design
· Demonstrated ability to lead client workstreams and deliver measurable cost savings
· Familiarity with ERP, planning, and analytics tools (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Anaplan, Alteryx, Tableau, Power BI)
· Strong communication and client-facing skills with the ability to articulate value in a structured and compelling manner
· Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or related field; CFA Level 1 (preferred)
· Please note: this is not an FP&A role—this is a pure consulting role focused on delivering cost transformation and advisory solutions
Preferred Attributes
· Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
· Exposure to sectors such as energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and government entities
Disclaimer:
This job posting is not open to recruitment agencies. Any candidate profile submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered as being received directly from an applicant. Contango reserves the rights to contact the candidate directly, without incurring any obligations or liabilities for payment of any fees to the recruitment agency.
