Chief Executive Officer - Real Estate Development (Logistics & Warehousing)

Ultimate Peaks; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Saudi-based group is seeking a CEO to develop and commercialize logistics and warehouse assets in the Riyadh Region. The ideal candidate must have proven real estate development experience, particularly in building warehouses, and strong practical knowledge of the Saudi market. Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory. This role requires a hands-on leader with a builder mentality who can manage local contractors, oversee operations, and drive strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a real estate developer, not just an operator.
• Direct, hands-on experience in building and delivering warehouses.
• Strong exposure to logistics and fulfillment real estate.
• Solid execution experience in Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of storage warehouses and logistics facilities.
• Operate within the Saudi ecosystem, managing local contractors and suppliers.
• Own the real estate P&L, CAPEX, and ROI targets.
• Build relationships with landowners and logistics operators.

Skills

Real estate development experience

Logistics and industrial asset knowledge

Hands-on project execution

Bilingual (Arabic & English)

Job description

Role Overview

A leading Saudi-based group is establishing and scaling a real estate development arm focused on logistics, warehousing, and industrial assets.

We are seeking a CEO who is first and foremost a real estate developer — someone who has personally built, delivered, and commercialized warehouses to professional standards and can hit the ground running in the Saudi market from day one.

This is not a portfolio oversight or asset-light role.

This is a builder CEO mandate.

The Mandate

The CEO will have full ownership of strategy, development, execution, and commercialization of logistics and warehouse assets, supporting both internal operations and third-party clients.

You will be expected to:

• Take land and turn it into operational, income-generating assets
• Lead from feasibility through handover
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, and suppliers
• Apply global development standards, adapted to local Saudi realities

Key Responsibilities

1. Real Estate Development (Core Responsibility)

• Lead end-to-end development of:
• Storage warehouses
• Sorting & fulfillment centers
• Logistics and transport facilities
• Personally oversee:
• Land evaluation and feasibility studies
• Design standards and specifications
• Contractor selection and on-site execution
• Budget control, timelines, and quality
• Deep understanding of:
• Grade A / B / C warehouses and when to deploy each
• Ceiling heights (e.g. 8m+, 10–12m), flooring loads, docks, layouts
• First-mile, storage, sorting, and fulfillment use cases

2. Saudi Market Execution

• Operate confidently within the Saudi ecosystem, including:
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Materials and suppliers
• Authorities and approvals
• Local clients and operators
• Strong practical knowledge of:
• Local construction practices
• Cost drivers and lead times
• Common execution risks and how to mitigate them

3. Strategy, Commercial & P&L Ownership

• Own the real estate P&L, CAPEX, and ROI targets
• Lead build vs lease vs buy decisions
• Structure projects for:
• Speed to market
• Commercial viability
• Long-term asset value
• Oversee leasing, partnerships, and asset monetization

4. Business Development & Partnerships

• Build relationships with:
• Landowners
• Logistics operators
• Industrial tenants
• Strategic partners (local and international)
• Evaluate joint ventures and development partnerships
• Engage with international logistics and industrial real estate players where relevant

5. Leadership & Governance

• Build and lead a lean, execution-focused development team
• Set clear standards, governance, and delivery discipline
• Report to shareholders with clarity and ownership — without losing execution focus

Mandatory Experience (Non-Negotiable)

• Proven track record as a real estate developer, not just an operator or asset manager
• Direct, hands-on experience building and delivering warehouses or logistics assets
• Strong exposure to logistics, industrial, or fulfillment real estate
• Solid execution experience in Saudi Arabia (Gulf experience alone is not sufficient)

Technical & Commercial Strength

• Deep understanding of:
• Warehouse specifications and standards
• Construction methods and materials
• Contractor and consultant management
• Commercially sharp:
• Feasibility studies
• ROI analysis
• Monetization strategies
• Comfortable making fast, high-impact decisions on site

Leadership Style

• Hands-on, execution-driven
• Comfortable being on site and close to details
• “Builder mentality” — not a boardroom-only executive
• Pragmatic, decisive, and accountable

Language

• Bilingual (Arabic & English) – mandatory

What This Role Is NOT

• Not a pure strategy or governance role
• Not a passive asset management position
• Not suitable for candidates without direct warehouse development experience

Engagement

This is a confidential executive search.

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates under NDA.