Executive Director- Development

LEAD Development; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury real estate company in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Executive Director – Development to lead the vision and execution of high-end residential projects. The ideal candidate will have 15–20 years of real estate development experience, including significant expertise in luxury or ultra-luxury markets. Responsibilities include managing the development lifecycle, ensuring artistic excellence, and coordinating with various stakeholders. This executive role aims to create prestigious lifestyle destinations that offer commercial success.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years’ experience in real estate development, with at least 5 in luxury or ultra-luxury developments.
• Proven delivery of luxury master planned products and/or communities.
• Familiarity with international design consultants and luxury hospitality brands.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic development plans for luxury communities.
• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle.
• Represent projects to high-profile stakeholders.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate, or Urban Planning

MBA or Master’s preferred

Job description

The Executive Director – Development leads the visioning, planning, and execution of high-end, communities that integrate luxury residential, amenities and mixed-use components. This executive role is responsible for overseeing all phases of the development lifecycle including Master planning and feasibility to delivery with a focus on creating exceptional lifestyle destinations that deliver commercial success and brand prestige.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1- Strategic Vision & Planning

• Develop and execute the strategic development plan for luxury master planned communities.
• Shape long-term value by integrating market insights, brand objectives, and customer expectations into development strategy.
• Lead highest-and-best-use analysis for large land parcels incorporating ultra-luxury villas, branded residences, resorts, marinas, retail promenades, wellness centres, and cultural amenities…etc.

• Collaborate with world-renowned architects, designers, and consultants to deliver iconic, design-led environments.
• Champion product innovation across residential and to a less extend lifestyle and retail offerings.
• Ensure cohesive placemaking, architectural excellence, and seamless integration of landscape, infrastructure, and public realm.

3- Project Management

• Oversee end-to-end development lifecycle: feasibility, design, permitting, procurement, construction, and handover.
• Lead internal and external multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring alignment on quality, program, and cost.
• Monitor development progress against key milestones and proactively manage risks and variances.

• Coordinate closely with finance team to drive project pro forms, cash flow models, and investment cases.
• Manage development budgets, ROI targets, and capital allocation.
• Conduct scenario planning and value engineering while maintaining brand integrity and luxury standards.

5- Stakeholder Management

• Represent the project to high-profile stakeholders including partners, landowners, regulatory authorities, hotel operators, and UHNWI buyers.
• Navigate complex regulatory environments to secure planning, building, and infra related approvals.
• Support joint ventures and partnerships where applicable.

6- Sales & Brand Integration

• Partner with marketing and sales teams to position the community as a luxury destination.
• Influence pricing strategy, sales phasing, and go-to-market timing.
• Embed hospitality and service excellence into the end user experience.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of development managers and specialists
• Build internal capabilities in luxury development delivery and community lifecycle management.
• Foster a culture of creativity, performance, and accountability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate, or Urban Planning; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 15–20 years’ experience in real estate development, with at least 5 in luxury or ultra-luxury developments.
• Proven delivery of luxury master planned products and/or communities.
• Familiarity with international design consultants, luxury hospitality brands, and high-net-worth customer segments.
• Visionary leadership with a refined design and luxury sensibility.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Deep knowledge of urban planning, design guidelines, and placemaking.
• Expert in stakeholder and partner management, especially with premium brands and operators.
• Agile decision-maker with global outlook and local execution ability
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

The duties and responsibilities described above are not comprehensive and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time, or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Apply Now

Full Name *

Contact Number *

Email Address *

Years of relevant experience *

Attach CV *

File types : .doc, .docx, and .pdf | File size : up to 5 MB