Director Development

DAMAC Properties; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate development company in the UAE is looking for a skilled architectural manager. The role involves directing project vision, managing external consultants, and overseeing the design of luxury residential developments. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture and at least 10 years of experience in real estate development. The position requires extensive knowledge of Dubai planning regulations and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in real estate development or leading architectural practices.
• Proven experience delivering luxury residential developments in Dubai or GCC.
• Extensive experience managing external design consultants on developer-led projects.

Responsibilities

• Direct project vision and feasibility studies.
• Oversee pre-concept and concept design project management.
• Coordinate with external consultants and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Design coordination

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Job description

Key Accountabilities

• Direct the vision creation, conducting of economic feasibility, concept design formulation, detailed design and specification of projects, and project delivery functions.
• Oversee pre-concept and concept design project management, including scope definition, programmes, deliverables, and approvals.
• Appoint, manage, and coordinate external consultants, including master planners, architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and specialist consultants.
• Review, challenge, and guide consultant outputs to ensure compliance with project briefs, development feasibility, and Dubai planning regulations.
• Work closely with Commercial, Planning, Sales & Marketing, and Project teams to ensure designs align with financial models, sales strategies, and market expectations.
• Manage design risk during early project stages and ensure smooth handover into subsequent design and delivery phases.
• Present design concepts, studies, and recommendations to executive management and key stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Minimum Experience

• 10+ years of experience, with a strong track record in real estate development and/or leading architectural practices.
• Proven experience delivering luxury residential developments in Dubai or the wider GCC.
• Extensive experience managing and coordinating external design consultants on developer-led projects.