Development Director - Residential

Role overview

Development management and design

• Lead luxury residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects from concept and feasibility through completion and handover.
• Set and manage project briefs, budgets, programmes, delivery strategies and milestones; monitor performance, risks and delivery challenges.
• Ensure projects meet investment objectives, quality expectations and end-user requirements.
• Guide design development and protect the original vision; coordinate architects, interior designers, engineers and specialist consultants.
• Review designs against the brief, end-user experience and commercial objectives.
• Oversee technical coordination, specifications, materials and value engineering while maintaining luxury standards, buildability and cost efficiency.

Commercial management and delivery

• Oversee budgets, cost plans, cash-flow forecasts, financial reporting, feasibility studies and development appraisals.
• Optimise development value and returns, control costs, and assess design changes, procurement decisions and commercial risks.
• Oversee procurement, contractor appointments, construction progress, quality assurance, testing and commissioning.
• Monitor workmanship, programme, health and safety, and compliance with approved designs and specifications.
• Lead completion, snagging, defect management and handover; ensure developments are ready for occupation and meet required standards.

Stakeholders and end users

• Coordinate internal departments, consultants, contractors, operators and relevant authorities.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to align finished products with market positioning and buyer expectations.
• Consider end-user functionality and customer requirements throughout design and delivery.
• Oversee handover documentation, warranties and defect resolution.

Candidate requirements

• Degree in Architecture, Architectural Design or a related discipline.
• Significant experience moving from architectural practice into developer-side development management.
• Proven delivery of luxury residential, hospitality or high-end mixed-use developments from concept to completion and end-user handover.
• Strong understanding of feasibility, design management, budgeting, procurement, construction and handover.
• Ability to balance design quality and ambition with commercial performance, programme and buildability.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams, contractors and internal stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen in appraisals, cost management, risk assessment and financial reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills; able to manage multiple complex projects and maintain quality.
• Dubai or wider UAE real estate market experience is highly desirable.