Senior Development Manager

Knight Frank; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development management firm in Dubai seeks an experienced Senior Development Manager to oversee fit out projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will possess at least 10 years of experience, including 5 years in the Middle East, with a proven track record in delivering high-quality services on major international projects. Responsibilities include managing project operations, ensuring client satisfaction, and leading teams to achieve strategic outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a similar role with 5 years in the Middle East.
• Experience managing large and complex projects.
• Fluency in English required, Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of fit out projects from inception to completion.
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of projects.
• Communicate with stakeholders to manage business efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Knight Frank internal systems

Job description

Overview

Working as Senior Development Manager , you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the successful execution of fit out projects, ensuring that they align with client requirements, budgetary constraints, and quality standards. Your responsibilities span from project inception to completion, requiring strong leadership, project management expertise and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operational aspects of projects end to end.
• Oversee all assigned projects and ensure client satisfaction.
• Lead a team to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant project deliverables.
• Manage and procure the company's agreements, client / vendor agreements, company / vendor and supplier agreements and framework agreements. Monitor adherence to policies and procedures regarding internal governance, controls and KPIs.
• Deliver to the scope of services as contracted with clients whilst managing the Firm’s exposure.
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes affecting development requirements to take advantage of or compensate for the changes which may impact projects.
• Manage / assist project lead on all design, construction, scheduling, commercial, procurement, risk, health and safety management activities conducted by the team.
• Manage / assist in all procurement activities including prequalification’s, tendering and evaluation.
• Actively lead or participate in contract management and scope management.
• Track material and equipment ordering and delivery status.
• Review progress billings and reports by all project stakeholders.
• Review change orders in parallel with the project commercial management.
• Prepare documents for uploading in project document controlling platforms and manage all document control systems in association with team assigned Document Controller.
• Manage close out documentation and Operation and Maintenance Manuals
• Manage / participate in all QA / QC procedures set forward by project lead.
• Manage and update project logs and issue client reports.
• Ensure all suitable meeting minutes are captured.
• Manage and work closely with clients, design teams and contractors to optimize solutions.
• Manage pre contract scope including reviewing technical specifications, sections of BOQs, handle tender query responses, manage the PQQ process with support and input into value engineering at each design stage.
• Manage post contract including being strong in construction management and progress tracking, contract administration, comfortable on site walks with project teams, prepare weekly reports, draft monthly reports and weekly dashboards.
• Communicate fully with all stakeholders concerned to ensure that business is managed in an efficient and professional manner.
• Build and maintain goodwill, confidentiality, and trust with prospective and existing clients at all times in order to foster the professional image of the Partnership.
• Other tasks as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Planning, Architecture, Project Management or a related field. Master’s degree qualifications would be considered advantageous.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in similar role, with at least 5 years’ experience in the Middle East with a track record of delivering high quality services from inception to completion. Major international project experience is essential.
• Experience managing large and / or complex projects.
• Must have prior experience working on top tier branded residence projects.
• Ability to understand all aspects of construction, cost management, design, engineering and fit out projects effectively and efficiently from initiation through fit out.
• Broad background of project management.
• Demonstrated experience of project procurement and differing routes available.
• Familiar with how effectively structure, staff and manage projects and teams to ensure there is clarity of expectation, timely execution, corrective action when needed and successful outcomes.
• Structured approach to problem solving with a natural inclination for planning strategy and tactics. Drives to fix the ultimate root causes to drive sustainable change.
• Great people management skills with an ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
• Strong leadership and employee management skills.
• Excellent verbal communication, numerical and report writing skills.
• Strong team player with the ability to build relationships.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Ability to work flexible schedules to ensure successful and timely delivery of projects.
• Understanding of regional business culture and regulations.
• The ability to understand and make use of computers and information technology (Knight Frank internal systems).
• Certifications and Licenses : PMP, CIOB, desired but not essential.
• Software : Microsoft Office programs to an advanced level.
• Language skills : Fluency in English, written and verbal. Fluency in Arabic or other languages is advantageous.
• Travel : Flexible attitude towards travelling.