Chief Development Officer, Industrial Real Estate

PRO-Global Search; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment holding company based in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead the growth of its industrial real estate platform. The role involves strategic planning, land acquisition, and project execution while managing a cross-functional team. Candidates should have a minimum of 20 years in senior development roles, a proven track record in complex projects, and the ability to navigate regulatory and investment environments. Competitive compensation and an entrepreneurial work culture are offered.

Benefits

Competitive executive compensation

Performance-based incentives

Agile working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years in senior development or real estate leadership roles.
• Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-phase development projects.
• Deep understanding of land acquisition processes and construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and acquisition of strategic land opportunities.
• Oversee the full development lifecycle from planning to construction.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and assess risks.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Operational execution

Land acquisition

Stakeholder management

Project management

Innovation in design and construction

Job description

About the job Chief Development Officer, Industrial Real Estate, Investment Holding

Location: UAE

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Chief Development Officer (CDO)to lead the growth and delivery of our industrial real estate platform. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role plays a critical part in shaping our long-term development strategy, driving expansion through land acquisition, project execution, and capital deployment, with a clear path toward public market readiness.

You will operate at the intersection of strategic planning, operational excellence, and real estate innovation building a scalable platform with institutional standards while adapting to the complexities of fast-evolving markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of strategic land opportunities for industrial development.
• Oversee the full development lifecycle, from planning and permitting to construction and handover.
• Manage budgets, control costs, assess risks, and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and in line with business objectives.
• Champion innovation in design and construction, integrating value engineering and sustainability wherever possible.
• Build and manage high-performing cross-functional teams including internal staff, external consultants, and contractors.
• Establish and maintain robust reporting and governance systems to support transparency and capital alignment.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 20 years in senior development or real estate leadership roles, ideally in industrial or logistics sectors.
• Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-phase development projects across diverse markets.
• Deep understanding of land acquisition processes, infrastructure planning, permitting, and construction.
• Experience working in or alongside institutional capital environments, including private equity or public market contexts.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational execution skills.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, including regulatory, political, and investment-related matters.
• Exposure to IPO preparation or listed-company governance is preferable, but not necessary.
• Willingness to travel regionally as needed.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are advantageous.

What We Offer

• A leadership role at the forefront of a high-growth industrial development platform.
• Direct influence on strategic decisions, capital deployment, and long-term value creation.
• Entrepreneurial and agile working environment backed by strong financial resources.
• Competitive executive compensation and performance-based incentives.