Role Purpose

The Associate Director will play a key role in delivering cost management and optimization solutions for a client in the power sector. This position requires strong expertise in Activity-Based Costing (ABC), cost allocation, and benchmarking, with a proven track record of delivering cost-focused projects. The role involves hands-on execution of cost analysis, modeling, and optimization frameworks, with the goal of enhancing cost transparency, driving efficiency, and enabling sustainable growth for the client.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Support the design and implementation of cost management strategies, with a focus on Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodologies.
• Validate and enhance cost allocation mechanisms to ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices.
• Conduct benchmarking studies to compare cost drivers and operational efficiency with industry peers.
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend actionable solutions, including process optimization and automation opportunities.
• Prepare project deliverables such as cost models, benchmarking reports, and optimization frameworks.

Research & Analysis

• Perform detailed cost driver analysis to understand operational and financial impacts across the organization
• Develop scalable financial models to provide ongoing cost visibility and facilitate decision-making
• Use advanced analytical techniques to validate cost structures and propose enhancements

Client Interaction & Presentation

• Conduct stakeholder interviews and workshops to gather insights and align on project objectives.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and reports that distill complex analyses into actionable insights.
• Build trust with client stakeholders as a subject matter expert, providing objective and practical recommendations.

Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices

• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing by documenting project methodologies and insights.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in the power sector, cost management innovations, and activity-based costing practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Business, or a related field (mandatory).
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred but not required.

Experience

• Minimum 7 – 8 years of experience in cost management, with a proven track record in the power and utilities sector.
• Extensive experience with Activity-Based Costing (ABC), cost allocation frameworks, and industry benchmarking.
• Hands-on experience managing multiple cost optimization projects, with demonstrated success in delivering results in complex operational environments.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modeling tools.
• Familiarity with data visualization and cost management software (e.g., Power BI, Anaplan, SAP, or Oracle Hyperion).

Skills & Competencies

• Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of the power sector’s operational and financial cost drivers.
• Analytical Excellence: Ability to dissect complex cost structures and identify actionable optimization strategies.
• Leadership: Strong project management skills with the ability to lead teams and engage clients effectively.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to senior stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Proactive and innovative approach to addressing cost inefficiencies.
• Client Focus: Skilled in tailoring solutions to align with client objectives and building long-term relationships.
• Adaptability: Capable of navigating ambiguity and adjusting strategies to meet evolving client needs.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to be based in Abu Dhabi for the project duration.
• Availability to start within two weeks to meet client timelines.

Fixed-Term Contract (3–6 months)