Development Manager

Elevare Management Consultancy; Remote; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

An Australian industrial property developer is seeking an experienced Development Manager to oversee projects from Development Application to construction completion. This role is based in Dubai and requires strong leadership and communication skills. You will manage Australian-based construction teams remotely and ensure projects align with planning requirements. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing development projects from DA lodgment through construction delivery.
• Experience working remotely with Australian, UK, or US based companies in a similar capacity.
• Strong understanding of Australian planning approvals, construction processes, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Managing the transition from approvals into construction delivery.
• Managing development briefs and feasibilities, ensuring projects are delivered in line with approved parameters.
• Tracking and managing conditions of approval and post DA requirements.

Skills

Strong English communication skills

Leadership capability

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Property Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Planning, or a related discipline

Job description

Metropolis Development Group is an established Australian industrial property developer with an active portfolio of projects across Eastern Australia and a strong pipeline of future developments. We are seeking an experienced Development Manager to take ownership of projects from Development Application (DA) lodgement through to construction completion and final sign off. This role is based in Dubai and will manage Australian projects remotely, working closely with builders, consultants, and authorities across Eastern Australia. The position requires strong leadership capability, exceptional English communication skills, and the ability to manage delivery across time zones.

About the Role

The Development Manager will be responsible for delivering industrial development projects for Metropolis Development Group. The role is employed through Elevare Management Consultancy in Dubai and will work closely with Elevare’s established team, while collaborating daily with Metropolis’ Australian based team. This is a delivery focused role suited to someone who can operate independently, manage complexity, and take accountability for outcomes while working across time zones.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the transition from approvals into construction delivery.
• Managing development briefs and feasibilities, ensuring projects are delivered in line with approved parameters, timelines and governance requirements.
• Tracking and managing conditions of approval and post DA requirements.
• Leading strategies to obtain all required post DA and operational works approvals.
• Leading the assessment of project impacts and changes in circumstances, evaluating risks and opportunities, and presenting alternative options and recommendations.
• Overseeing construction programs, quality, and budget performance.
• Managing Australian based builders and consultants remotely.
• Conducting regular project reviews and proactively resolving issues.
• Managing defects, certifications, practical completion, and final handover.
• Ensuring smooth final sign off with builders and purchasers.

Remote Delivery & Communication

• Very strong English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Confidence leading meetings, negotiations, and issue resolution with Australian.
• Clear, structured reporting and documentation.
• Ability to manage delivery across time zones while maintaining accountability.

You will bring

• Proven experience managing development projects from DA lodgment through construction delivery.
• Experience working remotely with Australian, UK, or US based companies in a similar capacity.
• Strong understanding of Australian planning approvals, construction processes, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated commercial reporting and cost control capability.
• Confidence managing builders, consultants, and authorities without on-site presence.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Property Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.