Development Manager - Real Estate

Big Fish Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Fish Consult in Abu Dhabi seeks a Development Manager to oversee end-to-end real estate development, focusing on master planning, development briefs, and design coordination.

You will drive project initiation, coordinate with design consultants and stakeholders, and ensure developments progress on budget and schedule while complying with zoning, codes and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years UAE real estate development experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning principles and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design coordination and master planning activities.
• Manage development lifecycle from site acquisition to project closeout.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and contractors.
• Prepare and present project updates to senior stakeholders.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with zoning, codes and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate new development opportunities via market analysis.
• Incorporate sustainable design principles into projects.
• Liaise with communities and government entities to navigate regulations.
• Identify and mitigate project risks with proactive strategies.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & cost control

Regulatory compliance

Urban planning knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, architecture, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

We are currently partnering with a semi-government real estate developer based in Abu Dhabi, UAE to hire a Development Manager.

The role will oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle of real estate projects, with a strong focus on product development, master planning, development brief preparation, and design coordination.

The successful candidate will drive project initiation and work closely with design consultants and internal stakeholders to ensure approved developments progress in line with project budgets, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide support in design and master planning activities, aligning projects with market demands and sustainability objectives
• Manage all aspects of development the development process including site acquisition, due diligence, entitlements, construction and project closeout
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Prepare and present project updates, reports, and presentations to senior stakeholders
• Support project budgeting, financial forecasting, and expenditure monitoring to optimize financial performance
• Ensure compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and other legal requirements
• Assist in evaluation of new development opportunities through market analysis and feasibility studies, providing insights for informed decision-making
• Ensure the integration of sustainable design principles into development projects to minimize environmental impact
• Aid in managing relationships with local communities and government entities to navigate regulatory requirements and foster positive project outcomes
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues, developing and implementing risk management strategies

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, Business Administration, Architecture, or related fields or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in real estate development within the real estate sector in the UAE
• Strong Project management skills to ensure successful execution
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning principles and regulatory compliance

If you have a strong background in real estate development, proven UAE experience, and a solid understanding of the development lifecycle, we’d love to hear from you!