Director of Development

Confidential Careers; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Dubai seeks an experienced Development Director to oversee a luxury residential portfolio from land acquisition to handover. You will lead development strategy, oversee Design & Build contractors, and ensure alignment with budgets, timelines, and premium quality standards.

The role requires 10–15+ years in real estate development, strong commercial acumen, and market insight into Dubai's luxury sector to drive continued portfolio growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related.
• 10–15+ years of relevant real estate development experience.
• Strong developer-side experience overseeing Design & Build projects.
• UAE real estate market knowledge and development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full development lifecycle from initial concept through construction, completion and handover.
• Act as the developer's representative, monitoring performance of appointed Design & Build contractors.
• Establish development strategies, project budgets, delivery programmes and key milestones.
• Monitor progress against approved timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Ensure developments align with investment objectives and luxury brand positioning.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related discipline

Job description

A leading luxury real estate development group is seeking an experienced Development Director to oversee its residential development portfolio, from initial land acquisition and feasibility through design, construction, completion and handover. The role will act as the developer's representative, overseeing appointed Design & Build contractors to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved budgets, programme timelines, design intent and exceptional quality standards. In addition to overseeing current developments, the successful candidate will play a strategic role in identifying new development opportunities, conducting market research, assessing land acquisitions and evaluating the commercial feasibility of potential projects. The position requires a combination of development expertise, commercial acumen, market intelligence and project delivery experience to support the continued growth of a luxury real estate portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy & Project Delivery

• Oversee the full development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility through construction, completion and handover.
• Act as the developer's representative, monitoring the performance of appointed Design & Build contractors.
• Establish development strategies, project budgets, delivery programmes and key milestones.
• Monitor project progress against approved timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Ensure developments align with investment objectives and luxury brand positioning.

Market Research & Development Opportunities

• Conduct market research to identify emerging opportunities within Dubai's luxury real estate sector.
• Analyse market trends, supply and demand, land values, competing developments and buyer preferences.
• Identify potential land acquisition opportunities for new residential and luxury developments.
• Assess locations, plot characteristics, zoning, development potential and surrounding infrastructure.
• Prepare market intelligence reports and recommendations to support investment decisions.

Land Acquisition & Feasibility

• Evaluate potential land acquisitions based on location, market demand, development potential and investment objectives.
• Prepare and review development feasibility studies, including project costs, revenue projections, expected returns and risk assessments.
• Work closely with finance and investment teams to develop financial models and investment appraisals.
• Assess development options, unit mix, Gross Development Value (GDV), construction costs and anticipated profitability.
• Support due diligence and negotiations relating to prospective land acquisitions.

Cost & Commercial Management

• Oversee development budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts and financial performance.
• Review contractor tenders, variations, valuations and cost-to-complete forecasts.
• Identify cost efficiencies and value engineering opportunities without compromising design intent or quality.
• Ensure contractors deliver in accordance with agreed contractual obligations and commercial terms.

Design, Construction & Quality Oversight

• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved designs, specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee design development and coordination between architects, consultants and contractors.
• Monitor workmanship, materials, finishes and overall construction quality.
• Monitor project programmes and implement corrective measures where required.
• Oversee completion, snagging, commissioning and final handover.

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with appointed contractors, consultants, architects and specialist suppliers.
• Monitor contractor performance against agreed KPIs, budgets, timelines and quality benchmarks.
• Lead project review meetings and ensure accountability across delivery teams.
• Provide regular development and investment updates to senior leadership.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related discipline.
• 10–15+ years of relevant experience in real estate development, ideally within luxury residential or premium property development.
• Strong developer-side experience overseeing projects delivered through Design & Build contracts.
• Demonstrable experience in land acquisition, development feasibility and investment appraisals.
• Strong understanding of Dubai's real estate market, land values, market trends and development opportunities.
• Experience preparing financial feasibility studies, development budgets, GDV and project returns.
• Proven ability to oversee project costs, quality, programme and contractor performance.
• Strong commercial, analytical and strategic decision‑making skills.
• UAE real estate development experience is highly desirable.