Director - Development - Jumeirah Group & Corporate

Jumeirah Group - Other locations; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality brand is seeking a Director of Development to drive regional growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This role involves managing the full development lifecycle, negotiating high-value opportunities, and supporting a high-performing team. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in hotel development and real estate, alongside strong negotiation skills. Competitive tax-free salary and a comprehensive benefits package included.

Benefits

Supportive and inclusive work environment

Access to Learning & Development programmes

Colleague discounts on food, beverage, and hotel stays

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the hospitality industry or related fields.
• Proven track record in hotel development and real estate.
• Negotiation capabilities with industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional growth in securing high-value development opportunities.
• Manage full development lifecycle from sourcing to handover.
• Drive site identification through feasibility studies and market research.
• Negotiate with owners and developers for sustainable growth.
• Support a high-performing regional team and represent the brand externally.

Skills

Hotel development

Real estate

Negotiation skills

Multi-stakeholder management

Job description

About Jumeirah

Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a portfolio of 31 exceptional properties across 13 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In 1999, Jumeirah changed the face of luxury hospitality with the opening of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and since then the brand has become known for its distinguished beachfront resorts, esteemed city hotels, and exclusive branded residences. Jumeirah is synonymous with Arabian luxury hospitality and the ability to craft distinctive, purposeful experiences for the world’s most discerning travellers.

About the Job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Director - Development to join Jumeirah Group & Corporate, following an internal promotional move.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead regional growth across Europe, Middle East and/or Asia by securing high-value development opportunities that expand the hotel and residences portfolio, strengthen brand presence in new markets, and support Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 to double the portfolio.

• Manage the full development lifecycle, including sourcing, preliminary assessments, feasibility coordination, design workshops, contract negotiations, internal governance processes, and handover to Technical Services - ensuring projects are progressed with discipline, accuracy, and strategic alignment.

• Drive site identification and evaluation through feasibility studies, financial modelling, market research, and due diligence to select opportunities that match the company’s vision and accelerate international expansion.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships by negotiating with owners, developers, and family businesses, working closely with legal, feasibility, brand, operations and finance teams to shape agreements that enable sustainable and scalable growth.

• Lead and support a high-performing regional team by providing direction, clear communication, and strategic insight to senior leadership, while representing the brand externally at industry events and conferences.

• Oversee full development lifecycles - planning, budgeting, scheduling, execution, and quality control - while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with brand and strategic priorities.

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Extensive experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong track record in hotel development, real estate, or related fields in Europe, Middle East and/or Asia.

• Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and execute high-value development opportunities.

• Strong negotiation capabilities with owners, developers, and stakeholders, backed by a well-established industry network across Europe, Middle East and/or Asia.

• Strong experience negotiating HMAs and Branded Residences Agreements.

• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder development processes with precision and speed.

About the Benefits

At Jumeirah, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our benefits package reflects this commitment by combining rewarding financial incentives, comprehensive healthcare, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits include:

• Supportive and inclusive work environment
• Access to Learning & Development programmes and clear career pathways
• Opportunities for internal mobility within our global network
• Colleague discounts on food, beverage, and hotel stays worldwide
• Comprehensive healthcare and life insurance coverage
• Paid annual leave entitlement
• Incentive programmes aligned with leadership performance
• Competitive tax‑free salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED)