Director - Development Strategic Projects

Modon; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate development company in the UAE is seeking an experienced Director to lead the delivery of strategic projects involving infrastructure, utilities, and marine assets. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience, with a significant track record in managing complex projects. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This role also demands fostering a culture of innovation and customer-centricity in project execution.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ progressive experience in real estate development, including at least 5 years in a senior or Director-level role.
• Proven record in managing Primary Infrastructure, RO’s, STPs, Power, Marine and Coastal projects.
• Strong background in feasibility studies and multidisciplinary team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee development of strategic infrastructure, utilities, marine, and coastal assets.
• Develop and implement strategies for community and diversified asset projects.
• Manage project controls, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality review.
• Engage stakeholders and ensure alignment with government and community groups.
• Drive innovation and sustainability across all assets.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Feasibility Studies

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Advanced degree (MBA, MSc)

Job description

Job Purpose:

To lead, direct, and oversee the development of strategic projects that include Primary Infrastructure, Utilities, Marine, and Coastal assets. The role ensures the successful delivery, operational alignment, and value enhancement of strategic projects—spanning primary infrastructure, wet and dry utilities, primary power, reverse osmosis plants, sewage treatment plants, marine and coastal assets —according to Modon’s vision, standards, and business objectives.

NB: Proven record in managing Primary Infrastructure, RO’s, STPs, Power, Marine and Coastal projects, is essential for this role.

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the planning, design, execution, and completion of community and diversified asset projects.
• Develop and implement development strategies, masterplans, and policies for infrastructure, utilities, marine and coastal assets.
• Direct Infrastructure, utilities, and marine design consultants, vendors, and service providers to fulfil contractual, safety, and delivery milestones.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Oversee feasibility studies, due diligence, market research, business cases, and conceptual planning for projects.
• Establish and manage project controls: scheduling, budgeting, risk management, quality review, and reporting.
• Direct stakeholder engagement with government authorities, community groups, partners, and end- users to ensure alignment and effective delivery.
• Lead procurement and contract negotiation processes and manage relationships with vendors, consultants, and service providers.
• Guarantee all development projects comply with legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure timely progress and successful handover of assets to operations or end-users with clear operational readiness.
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and the integration of best-in-class standards across all assets and communities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, excellence, continuous improvement, and customer-centric delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or related field.
• Advanced degree MBA, MSc, or equivalent (preferred not essential).

Experience and Competencies

Experience

• 15+ years’ progressive experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years in a senior or Director-level role.
• Proven record in managing Primary Infrastructure, RO’s, STPs, Power, Marine and Coastal projects.
• Strong background in feasibility studies, master planning, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Experience working with government entities and multi-stakeholder environments.

Competencies

• Visionary leadership, with strategic and operational management