Director of Real Estate Development

Confidential Careers; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 670,000 - 1,228,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Abu Dhabi is seeking a strategic and commercially minded Director of Development & Projects to lead planning, design, development, and delivery of new and existing real estate assets.

Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee the Development & Projects function, drive value creation, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and manage budgets and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field is preferred.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is desirable.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in design, construction, development and project management.
• Proven track record delivering major real estate development and construction projects.
• Strong experience managing consultants, contractors, procurement, and governance.
• GCC experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE authorities, regulations, permitting processes, and development requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and contribute to corporate strategy, planning, and decision making.
• Develop and execute the Development & Projects strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into annual business plans, KPIs, and operational targets.
• Drive long term asset enhancement, growth, and value creation initiatives.
• Lead the planning, design, development, and construction activities across new and existing assets.
• Oversee internal teams, consultants, architects, engineers, and project delivery partners.
• Ensure projects align with commercial objectives, operational requirements, customer expectations, and brand standards.
• Lead contractor and consultant selection, procurement, negotiation, and performance management.
• Establish project governance, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Evaluate contractor performance and drive continuous improvement across project delivery activities.
• Ensure adherence to UAE regulations, international standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and project financial performance.
• Monitor project costs, forecasting, financial controls, and return on investment.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize asset value.
• Support commercial decision-making regarding development opportunities and capital investments.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross functional stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, authorities, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Champion innovation, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline

Master's Degree in a relevant technical field (preferred)

Tools

PMP certification

Job description

A leading group of companies in Abu Dhabi is seeking a strategic and commercially minded Director of Development & Projects to lead the planning, design, development, and project delivery of new and existing real estate assets. Reporting to the CEO, this leadership role will oversee the Development & Projects function, ensuring all projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, compliance, and commercial viability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and contribute to corporate strategy, planning, and decision making.
• Develop and execute the Development & Projects strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into annual business plans, KPIs, and operational targets.
• Drive long term asset enhancement, growth, and value creation initiatives.
• Lead the planning, design, development, and construction activities across new and existing assets.
• Oversee internal teams, consultants, architects, engineers, and project delivery partners.
• Ensure projects align with commercial objectives, operational requirements, customer expectations, and brand standards.
• Lead contractor and consultant selection, procurement, negotiation, and performance management.
• Establish project governance, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Evaluate contractor performance and drive continuous improvement across project delivery activities.
• Ensure adherence to UAE regulations, international standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and project financial performance.
• Monitor project costs, forecasting, financial controls, and return on investment.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize asset value.
• Support commercial decision-making regarding development opportunities and capital investments.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and cross functional stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, authorities, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Champion innovation, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree in a relevant technical field is preferred.
• PMP certification or equivalent professional project management certification is desirable.
• 15 years of experience in design, construction, development, and project management.
• Proven track record delivering major real estate development and construction projects.
• Strong experience managing consultants, contractors, procurement, and project governance frameworks.
• GCC experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE authorities, regulations, permitting processes, and development requirements.