Development Manager

Confidential Careers; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Abu Dhabi is seeking a highly experienced Development Manager to guide the planning, execution, and delivery of major real estate developments. You will oversee the full development lifecycle and work with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial acumen, and a proven track record in large-scale developments. You will manage relationships with authorities, consultants, and investors while driving performance,

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years in real estate development with leading roles.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale mixed-use or regional projects.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, and delivery of major real estate projects.
• Oversee full development lifecycle including land acquisition, feasibility, design, approvals, procurement, and construction.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and risk management to meet targets.
• Coordinate with government authorities, consultants, contractors, investors, and internal teams.
• Provide executive updates on progress, performance, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Real estate development

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Development Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of major real estate projects. The role will oversee the full development lifecycle, manage key stakeholders, drive project performance, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality developments aligned with the company's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and a proven track record in large-scale real estate development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of large-scale mixed-use, residential, commercial, hospitality, and waterfront developments.
• Develop and implement project development strategies aligned with corporate objectives, investment targets, and market opportunities.
• Oversee the full development lifecycle, including land acquisition, feasibility studies, design management, approvals, procurement, construction, and project delivery.
• Manage relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, investors, and key stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across development, design, engineering, project management, commercial, and sales functions.
• Drive project financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and risk management.
• Ensure the timely delivery of projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Negotiate development agreements, consultant appointments, and strategic partnerships to maximize project value.
• Monitor market trends and identify new investment and development opportunities to support business growth.
• Provide executive-level reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders on project progress, commercial performance, and strategic initiatives.

Key Achievements / Scope:

• Directed the development and delivery of landmark real estate projects.
• Supported the creation of innovative communities, mixed-use developments, and lifestyle destinations.
• Led cross-functional teams to achieve successful project execution, stakeholder alignment, and strong commercial outcomes.
• Managed complex development portfolios from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
• Delivered projects that enhanced asset value, customer experience, and long-term investment returns.