Projects Director - Commercial Real Estate

Black & Grey HR; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & Grey HR, Abu Dhabi, UAE, seeks an experienced Projects Director to lead the Development & Projects department, overseeing all design and construction workstreams for new developments and asset enhancements.

The role requires a minimum of 15 years in design and construction management, with GCC experience preferred, extensive vendor negotiations, and strong regulatory knowledge in the UAE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., PMP) highly regarded.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in design and construction management, GCC preferred.
• Proven track record in delivering complex retail or real estate development projects.
• Strong vendor negotiations and relationship management.
• Knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead Development & Projects department to align with strategic goals.
• Oversee design and construction workstreams for new and refurb projects.
• Set budgets, timelines, quality expectations, and monitor contractors.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and internal standards.
• Mentor and develop team, drive continuous improvement and best practices.
• Collaborate with CEO on strategy and departmental targets.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

PMP or equivalent certification

Job description

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 14/08/2026

Black & Grey HR is partnering with a Commercial Real Estate company based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE. our client is seeking to hire an experienced Projects Director to oversee all design and construction work-streams for both new developments and existing asset enhancements. Lead the Development & Projects department to manage end-to-end project activities, establishing best-in-class benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and service delivery. Ensure that every project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals, brand identity, and operational specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the executive management team, actively contributing to the organization’s vision, strategy, and long-term objectives to maximize short-, medium-, and long-term profitability.
• Partner with the CEO to formulate and direct the departmental strategy, ensuring full alignment with the corporate mission and objectives.
• Translate overall business strategy into annual operational plans and targets for the department, monitoring performance to ensure goals are met.

Project Design & Development Management

• Lead internal design specialists and external consultants to embed strategic vision and operational flexibility into facility designs, ensuring all projects reflect the brand’s identity and functional needs.
• Review and validate design plans and blueprints, enforcing compliance with regulatory standards and internal specifications to maintain brand consistency across all assets.
• Facilitate collaborative workshops to translate operational, customer-service, and market insights into the design and construction process, ensuring the relevance and functionality of new or refurbished properties.

Contractor Performance & Compliance

• Set clear project timelines, budgetary constraints, and quality expectations, monitoring contractor performance to ensure delivery in accordance with organizational standards.
• Enforce compliance with local laws, international standards, and industry best practices through regular audits and reviews, upholding integrity across all project activities.
• Implement structured performance-review processes for project partners to drive a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in asset delivery.

Budgeting & Financial Performance

• Direct the preparation and consolidation of the departmental budget, monitoring financial performance against projections to identify risks, control costs, and capitalize on opportunities for improved efficiency.

People Management & Team Development

• Provide strategic leadership to the department, setting individual objectives, managing performance, and motivating the team to maximize their contribution.
• Collaborate with fellow management colleagues to align efforts across the organization, ensuring cohesive progress toward shared strategic goals.
• Mentor, coach, and challenge direct reports, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and career development.

Corporate Stewardship

• Ensure all activities and team outputs are conducted in the best interests of the organization.
• Proactively support cross-functional colleagues in achieving their objectives, contributing to a collaborative and integrated working culture.
• Anticipate risks and identify wider opportunities and threats, using data-driven insights to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to business planning and reporting processes, leveraging agreed systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Leadership & Organizational Influence

• Provide technical leadership and direction to the Development & Projects team, encouraging controlled innovation in processes, technology, and ways of working.
• Drive the adoption of Agile and Lean methodologies across the organization to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency.
• Empower and model a positive, resilient mindset for the team, maintaining confidence in the long-term outlook of the property portfolio despite market challenges.
• Set clear expectations, delegate effectively, and provide constructive feedback to maximize team performance and innovation.
• Serve as a member of the CEO’s weekly management committee, alongside leaders from Marketing, Leasing, Fit‑out, Operations, and Facilities Management.
• Play an integral role in the design and redesign of retail centres, ensuring new units and spaces are based on actual market demand and leasability.
• Champion organizational values and behaviours internally and externally, contributing to leadership boards and staying informed about internal and external developments.
• Support the implementation of the property management system as required.
• Direct the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, procedures, and controls to ensure all legislative and procedural requirements are met while delivering consistent, cost-effective, high‑quality service.
• Lead change management initiatives by continuously improving systems and practices, benchmarking against global standards and adapting to shifts in the business environment.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited university.
• A specialized Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., PMP or equivalent) is highly regarded.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in design and construction management within a fast-paced, dynamic environment (GCC experience preferred).
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects in the retail or real estate development sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiations and relationship management, including contract negotiations and performance evaluations.
• History of applying forward-looking strategic, managerial, and operational methodologies, including the use of cutting‑edge technologies.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant governing bodies, regulatory committees, and legal frameworks within the UAE.