Project Director - Real Estate Developer

Michael Page; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Project Director to oversee luxury residential developments in the UAE. Candidates should have 12-18 years in real estate development, a strong understanding of Dubai regulations, and proven leadership skills. This role offers a significant opportunity to impact Dubai's construction sector by leading project teams, managing stakeholders, and driving financial performance. Competitive package offered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 12-18+ years of experience in real estate development or construction.
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale residential developments.
• In-depth knowledge of Dubai construction regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple residential development projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Establish project governance frameworks and performance benchmarks.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

The Project Director provides strategic leadership and full accountability for the planning, governance, and delivery of a portfolio of luxury residential developments, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality. The role leads senior project teams, manages key stakeholders and authorities, and drives financial performance, risk management, and continuous improvement across the development lifecycle.

Strategic & Portfolio Leadership

• Provide end-to-end leadership across multiple residential development projects from feasibility and design through construction, handover, and close-out.
• Translate business and development strategies into clear, executable delivery plans aligned with commercial, design, and brand objectives.
• Establish and maintain project governance frameworks, reporting structures, and portfolio-level performance benchmarks.

Project Delivery & Oversight

• Direct and oversee Project Managers, Construction Managers, and consultants to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Review and approve master programs, cost plans, procurement strategies, and delivery methodologies.
• Monitor portfolio KPIs and proactively address risks, delays, cost overruns, and performance issues.

Financial & Commercial Control

• Maintain overall accountability for project budgets, cash flow, cost control, and commercial performance.
• Review and approve variations, claims, value engineering proposals, and procurement recommendations.
• Support senior leadership with development feasibility studies, investment appraisals, and budget approvals.

Stakeholder & Authority Management

• Act as the primary senior interface with consultants, contractors, authorities, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure full compliance with Dubai Municipality regulations, RERA requirements, safety standards, and statutory approvals.
• Represent the organization in executive meetings, progress reviews, and key commercial or contractual negotiations.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Establish and oversee risk management frameworks, ensuring early identification and mitigation of technical, commercial, and program risks.
• Ensure robust quality assurance systems are implemented from design through construction and handover.
• Drive a strong culture of health, safety, and environmental compliance across all projects.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop senior project delivery teams, fostering a high-performance and accountability-driven culture.
• Support recruitment, performance management, and succession planning within the projects function.
• Promote collaboration across development, design, commercial, and operations teams.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to optimize delivery models, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance build quality.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, digital project controls, and industry best practices.

Job Offer Opportunity to work with an established organisation in the property industry. If you are an experienced Project Director looking to make a significant impact in Dubai's thriving construction sector, we encourage you to apply today!

A successful Project Director should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• 12-18+ years of experience in real estate development or construction, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, high-quality residential developments in Dubai or the wider GCC.
• Strong expertise in project controls, contracts, procurement strategies, and risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of Dubai construction regulations, authority approval processes, and development standards.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-project budgets and commercial performance.