HOD / COO / Director (Property Development )

upscale; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

upscale is seeking a Head/COO/Director of Property Development to lead strategic planning and land development in Malaysia. You will oversee feasibility, master planning, and sourcing, with a strong emphasis on approvals, design coordination, and cross-functional delivery of large-scale projects.

Candidate must have 7-15 years in property development, 5+ years in senior leadership, and a proven track record in delivering residential, commercial, or township developments in Malaysia.

Qualifications

• 7-15 years in property development with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record in full-cycle delivery of large-scale developments in Malaysia.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management with financial acumen to drive profitability.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Land Development: identify land banks, conduct feasibility studies, define concepts and master plans.
• Design & Authority Approvals: coordinate architects, planners, engineers, and consultants; ensure timely permits and licenses.
• Project Implementation & Delivery: oversee tendering, procurement, construction progress, cost control, and timelines.
• Commercial & Sales Alignment: partner with Sales & Marketing to align offerings with demand and pricing.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Cross-functional team leadership

Project delivery

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Degree in Architecture

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Degree in Property Development

MBA preferred

Job description

Head / COO / Director of Property Development

• Experienced leader in 3 stages in property Development
  Planning stage, with strong marketing understanding and property development and business acumen. Feasibility, planning, strategy
• Sourcing for contractors : handle expected construction cost, government permit, look for contractor,consultant, architecture etc, outsource construction manpower ,reimplementation, Contract awarding
• Implementation stage : Handle construction till complete project completion. (construction)

Qualified candidate must have strong capability and extensive experience in 1) + 2) or 1) +3)

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Land Development

• Identify, evaluate, and secure land banks and joint venture opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility studies, market analysis, and financial modelling for proposed developments.
• Define project concepts, master plans, and product positioning aligned with market demand.

2. Design & Authority Approvals

• Lead the appointment and coordination of architects, planners, engineers, and consultants.
• Ensure timely submission and approval of plans, permits, and licenses with relevant Malaysian authorities.
• Drive innovation in design, sustainability, and customer-centric features.

3. Project Implementation & Delivery

• Oversee tendering, contract negotiation, and procurement processes.
• Manage construction progress, quality control, cost management, and adherence to project timelines.
• Monitor risks, resolve operational bottlenecks, and ensure compliance with safety and statutory standards.
• Work closely with contractors and consultants to ensure smooth execution of projects.

4. Commercial & Sales Alignment

• Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to align product offerings with customer needs and pricing strategy.
• Monitor market performance and adjust development strategies accordingly.
• Ensure developments enhance brand equity and contribute to long-term company growth.

5. Handover & Post-Implementation

• Ensure timely completion, handover, and defect rectification processes.
• Oversee customer satisfaction, after-sales service, and continuous improvements for future projects.
• Capture lessons learned to strengthen development frameworks and delivery excellence.

Key Requirements

• Education: Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Property Development, or related. MBA preferred.

Experience:

• 7-15 years experience in property development, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record in full-cycle delivery of large-scale residential, commercial, or township developments in Malaysia.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Deep knowledge of Malaysian property market, authority approval processes, and project execution.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Financial acumen to assess project viability and drive profitability.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and multiple large-scale projects concurrently.

Key Success Indicators

• Timely delivery of projects from planning to handover within approved budget.
• High compliance with Malaysian regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
• Strong returns on investment (IRR, ROI, sales performance).
• Enhanced brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
• Operational excellence and innovation in property development processes.