Senior Development Manager

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Senior Development Manager to oversee the entire lifecycle of real estate projects—from site selection to handover. You will conduct market research, align product with market needs, and coordinate with design, planning, legal, and finance teams to move projects from concept to construction readiness.

The role requires strong leadership, deep market knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring regulatory compliance and financial viability.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferably Architecture).
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in real estate, with UAE project management experience.
• Project management: Excellent management and organizational skills across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee market research and area-specific analysis to identify trends and positioning.
• Lead development planning from concept to ready-for-construction, coordinating with design/planning/legal/finance teams.
• Coordinate with stakeholders across development, design, sales, marketing and finance.
• Support financial modelling and feasibility studies; track ROI and timelines.
• Review master plans and layouts for market suitability and viability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Market Knowledge

Design Acumen

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Development Manager to oversee the entire lifecycle of real estate projects — from initial site selection and feasibility studies to construction and final handover to the client.

Core Responsibilities

Market and Product Alignment

Conducts market research and area-specific analysis to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive positioning.

Coordinates with the Design Director to ensure proposed product designs reflect current market needs and are suitable for each target area.

Provides detailed briefs and feedback to the design and planning teams based on market insights and feasibility findings.

Monitors changing regulations, demographics, and consumer behaviors to adjust development strategies accordingly.

Project Development and Planning

Assists in preparing development strategies and concept plans for new projects.

Collaborates with design, planning, legal, and financial teams to bring projects from concept to ready-for-construction stage.

Participates in highest and best use studies and development feasibility analysis.

Reviews master plans and architectural layouts to ensure market suitability and commercial viability.

Stakeholder Coordination

Acts as a liaison between development, design, sales, marketing, and finance departments.

Attends design review and coordination meetings and ensure alignment between development strategy and technical output.

Prepares and present development proposals to internal committees and executive management.

Financial Feasibility and Business Case Development

Supports in financial modelling and feasibility studies with the finance team.

Analyses cost, pricing, absorption rates, and returns to ensure profitable project outcomes.

Tracks key performance metrics related to development goals (e.g., cost per unit, ROI, timeline adherence).

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferably Architecture), with experience in residential and/or hospitality projects.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in the real estate industry, with a proven track record of managing development projects in the UAE. Strong understanding of project launch processes, local codes and regulations, permitting, and construction workflows.
• Project Management: Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills for dealing with consultants, contractors, and business stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to identify issues, mitigate risks, and develop effective, timely solutions.
• Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of real estate market dynamics, trends, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Design Acumen: Ability to review design packages across multiple disciplines and provide feedback aligned with project vision, budget, and timeline requirements. Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards are essential.