Project Director - Real Estate Developer

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A real estate development company based in Dubai seeks a Project Director to lead the planning and delivery of luxury residential developments. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience in the field, with a strong track record in managing large-scale projects in compliance with local regulations. You will be responsible for overseeing project budgets, stakeholder management, and ensuring high quality and timely delivery. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in Dubai's construction sector.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with an established organization in the property industry

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple residential development projects from feasibility to close-out.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow, and commercial performance.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Project controls

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related discipline

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

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. Client Details: Dubai-based real estate developer specialising in the delivery of high-quality, luxury residential developments with a focus on combining innovative design, construction excellence, and disciplined project delivery.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Profile

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.

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!

Skills

Project Director - Real Estate Developer - Residential Construction