15+ Years - GM, Projects/Development Strategy

MAIA Estates; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

MAIA Estates seeks a seasoned General Manager – Projects to lead end-to-end development delivery for premium residential and commercial portfolios in Bengaluru. You will drive design, approvals, budgeting, procurement, and handover, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and stakeholder alignment.

You will manage cross-functional teams, oversee large budgets, and ensure compliance with RERA, ISO, IGBC, and premium standards while fostering innovation and value engineering across MAIA's flagship

Qualifications

• Degree/Postgraduate in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management from a recognized institution.
• 18+ years' experience in real estate development projects, specifically in high-rise premium residential developments (G+20 and above).
• Should have completed at least two premium projects (₹ 400 Cr+ each) from conceptualization to handover.
• Proven track record of managing projects with carpet areas exceeding 4 lakh sq ft.
• Experience with Tier-1 consultants, international architects, and premium contractors.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end process flow standardization across all development functions.
• Establish SOPs, governance frameworks, and decision matrices.
• Ensure staffing readiness and timely delivery aligned to milestones.
• Implement documentation, reporting, and audit trails for project activities.
• Lead monthly/quarterly project reviews with senior leadership.
• Drive value engineering and sustainability certifications (ISO, IGBC).
• Coordinate with architects, MEP, and external stakeholders for design integration.
• Manage design freeze protocols and post-freeze change requests.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Governance

Vendor management

Cross-functional teams

Education

Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management degree

Tools

Procore

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About Maia Estates

At MAIA, we believe real estate goes beyond construction — it is about building trust, shaping aspirations and creating meaningful ways of living. Established in 2016 by Mayank Ruia in partnership with the Manipal Group, MAIA Estates is redefining India’s real estate landscape through thoughtful design, meticulous planning, and conscious development.

About Maia Estates

At MAIA, we believe real estate goes beyond construction — it is about building trust, shaping aspirations and creating meaningful ways of living. Established in 2016 by Mayank Ruia in partnership with the Manipal Group, MAIA Estates is redefining India’s real estate landscape through thoughtful design, meticulous planning, and conscious development. In just a decade, MAIA has earned recognition from leading global institutions including the International Property Awards, Asia Pacific Property Awards, and Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Yet, what truly defines us is our unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, customer‑centric thinking, and the belief that design has the power to create lasting impact. Today, MAIA has emerged as one of Bengaluru’s most respected names in premium residential and commercial real estate, with a portfolio that reflects both innovation and integrity. Every development is guided by a philosophy rooted in purpose, precision, sustainability, and enduring value. Our Founder and CEO, Mayank Ruia, brings over two decades of global experience across finance and real estate. His professional journey includes tenures at Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Everstone Capital, alongside a track record of planning and developing over 15 million square feet of residential and commercial real estate across Bengaluru and other cities, including landmark developments such as 27 Summit, Pelican Grove, Kessaku, and One Bangalore West. His leadership is driven by long‑term thinking, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of evolving customer aspirations. Joining MAIA means becoming part of a culture that values clarity of thought, attention to detail, collaboration, and meaningful innovation. We are not driven by trends or excess, but by the ambition to create spaces and experiences that stand the test of time. If you are looking to be part of an organisation where purpose, performance, and passion come together, MAIA offers the opportunity to build not just developments, but a meaningful future. Website: https://www.maiaestates.in/

OUR FLAGSHIP PROJECTS

27 Summit – MAIA’s flagship residential development off Richmond Road, Central Bangalore (https://27summit.com/)

The Beacon – MAIA’s first commercial development on the banks of Nagavara Lake, North Bangalore

Casa Sia – MAIA’s entry into Chennai at Parathasarathy Garden, off Poes Garden, Central Chennai (https://maiacasasia.com)

Pelican Grove – MAIA’s debut residential development on the banks of Jakkur Lake, North Bangalore (https://maiapelicangrove.com/)

Pelican Gardens – MAIA’s next chapter on the banks of Jakkur Lake, North Bangalore (https://maiapelicangardens.com/)

The Seven – MAIA’s foray into South Bangalore, nestled in historic Basavanagudi’s cultural core

CORPORATE OFFICE LOCATION

Ulsoor Road, Central Bangalore

OUR PEOPLE FIRST STRATEGY

A sense of autonomy

A greater purpose

Accelerated career growth for top performers

Competitive total rewards package

YOUR IMPACT AREA

We are looking for someone to lead Total project delivery across design, statutory approvals budgeting, contracting, execution tracking, risk management and innovation by driving standardized processes, financial discipline, timely delivery, and capability building, while embedding the MAIA Way across teams and partners. As General Manager – Projects, you will be the strategic and operational leader responsible for orchestrating seamless project execution from conceptualization to handover. You will act as the central point of accountability for all development functions, ensuring alignment between design intent, budget controls, statutory compliance, vendor management, quality standards, and schedule adherence across MAIA's portfolio of premium projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Degree/Postgraduate in Architecture/ Engineering /Construction Management from a recognized institution
• 18+ years' experience in real estate development projects, specifically in high‑rise premium residential developments (G+20 and above)
• Should have successfully completed at least two premium projects (₹ 400 Cr+ each) from conceptualization to handover
• Proven track record of managing projects with carpet areas exceeding 4 lakh sq ft
• Strong leadership, financial acumen, contractual negotiation, and governance expertise
• In-depth statutory approval process experience from inception to Occupancy Certificate (OC) and post-OC compliances
• Experience working with Tier‑1 consultants, international architects, and premium contractors
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross‑functional teams of 20+ professionals
• Exposure to large‑scale budgets (₹300 Cr+ construction budgets) and P&L management
• Familiarity with project management tools (Procore, MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent)

Key Responsibilities

• Process & Governance
• Drive end-to-end process flow standardization across all development functions including design, statutory, procurement, execution, and handover.
• Establish and enforce SOPs, governance frameworks, and decision matrices aligned with MAIA standards.
• Ensure staffing readiness and timeliness aligned to project milestones and phase-wise requirements.
• Implement robust documentation, reporting, and audit trail systems for all project activities.
• Lead monthly/quarterly project review meetings with senior leadership and present strategic updates.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and embed lessons learned from past projects.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, IGBC, and other relevant quality and sustainability certifications.
• Establish KPI dashboards and performance metrics for all development teams.
• Design Development
• Focus on Constructability of design to mitigate future execution challenges and reduce RFIs.
• Ensure 100% schematic design completion and obtain project budget approval before DD stage.
• Oversee statutory compliance, approvals (plan sanction, BBMP, BDA, CMDA, environmental clearances), and design change management across all projects.
• Coordinate with architects, structural, MEP, façade, and landscape consultants to ensure design integration.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews at each stage (SD, DD, CD) to ensure alignment with project vision, budget, and timeline.
• Champion value engineering initiatives that optimize costs without compromising quality or aesthetics.
• Ensure all designs meet RERA compliance requirements and customer expectations.
• Manage design iterations and ensure timely approvals from internal stakeholders and authorities.
• Drive BIM adoption and digital twin creation for enhanced project visualization and coordination.
• Establish design freeze protocols and manage post-freeze change requests with financial impact analysis.
• Budget & Financial Control
• Manage P1 (initial budget) vs P2 (revised budget) variance and ensure cashflow accuracy with monthly reconciliations.
• Drive timely financial and budgetary approvals across all project stages (land, design, construction, marketing, handover).
• Responsible for managing entire cost-to-completion budget, including construction, consultancy, statutory, contingencies, and handing over process.
• Implement robust cost control mechanisms and flag budget overruns with mitigation plans.
• Conduct monthly financial reviews and provide variance analysis reports to CFO and CEO.
• Ensure accurate forecasting of project costs, commitments, and cash outflows on a rolling 12-month basis.
• Drive procurement savings through strategic sourcing, bulk buying, and vendor negotiations (target: 10–15% savings).
• Manage VO (Variation Order) approvals and ensure financial discipline in design changes.
• Monitor ROI on all project investments and provide financial insights for future projects.
• Establish financial dashboards with real‑time budget tracking and burn rate analytics.
• Contract & Vendor Management
• Standardize RFPs, RFQs, and tender documents for consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Ensure contractor selection timelines are met and manage vendor empanelment systems with performance ratings.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, payment schedules, LDs, and performance bonds with strategic vendors.
• Establish vendor performance evaluation frameworks and conduct quarterly vendor reviews.
• Build a robust vendor ecosystem with at least 3–4 empaneled vendors in each category (civil, MEP, façade, etc.).
• Manage claims, disputes, and arbitration processes with contractors and consultants.
• Drive strategic partnerships with international brands for premium finishes, fixtures, and systems.
• Ensure vendor compliance with HSE norms, labor laws, and contractual obligations.
• Implement digital vendor management platforms for PO tracking, invoice processing, and payment approvals.
• Maintain vendor relationship management and conduct quarterly vendor meets for alignment.
• Execution & Project Management
• Provide leadership oversight on team performance, schedule adherence, construction quality, logistics, and HSE compliance.
• Drive on-site execution excellence with daily, weekly, and monthly progress tracking against approved schedules.
• Ensure zero-defect construction through rigorous quality audits, mock‑ups, and third‑party inspections.
• Manage project schedules using CPM (Critical Path Method) and ensure milestone adherence with buffer management.
• Coordinate with all project stakeholders including PMC, contractors, consultants, RERA, and authorities.
• Implement site logistics planning for material procurement, storage, labor management, and equipment deployment.
• Drive HSE culture with zero-accident goals, safety training, and compliance with local regulations.
• Ensure timely resolution of site issues, technical queries (RFIs), and design clarifications.
• Conduct regular site visits, client walkthroughs, and investor updates.
• Manage handover process including snagging, OC documentation, NOCs, and customer possession timelines.
• Training & Capability Building
• Close skill gaps within the Development Strategy team through structured training programs.
• Enable external training exposure (NICMAR, RICS, PMI, LEED GA/AP) and certifications for team members.
• Foster dual-role capability across team members to ensure business continuity and succession planning.
• Conduct knowledge-sharing sessions on best practices, new technologies, and industry trends.
• Establish mentorship programs for junior team members and groom future project leaders.
• Drive talent retention through career development plans and performance‑linked rewards.
• Collaborate with HR to build competency frameworks and job role clarity for all project roles.
• Encourage participation in industry forums, conferences, and professional networks (CII, CREDAI, IGBC).
• Innovation & Technology
• Drive SaaS adoption for project management, BIM, cost estimation, and collaboration tools (Procore, BIM 360, Cost X, etc.).
• Champion pilots of new materials, construction technologies (prefab, modular, 3D printing), and OPEX efficiency proposals.
• Establish innovation labs or pilot zones within projects to test new construction methods and materials.
• Leverage AI/ML for predictive analytics on schedule delays, cost overruns, and quality risks.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives including drone surveys, IoT sensors, and real‑time project monitoring.
• Collaborate with PropTech startups and industry bodies to stay ahead of innovation curves.
• Implement sustainability initiatives including green building certifications, energy‑efficient systems, and waste management.
• Establish a culture of continuous innovation with quarterly innovation showcases and awards.
• Stakeholder Management & Reporting
• Provide strategic project updates to Board, Investors, and Senior Leadership on a monthly/quarterly basis.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including GBA/BBMP, BDA, CMDA, Fire Department, RERA, and other statutory authorities.
• Coordinate with Sales & Marketing teams to ensure project readiness aligns with sales launches and customer promises.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all project-related escalations and issue resolution.
• Ensure seamless communication between design, execution, finance, legal, and customer‑facing teams.
• Manage customer expectations during construction and handover phases with regular updates and site visits.
• Represent MAIA in industry forums, awards, and recognition platforms.
• Build