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Development & Projects Director Commercial Real Estate
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Experience Required:
Posted:
15 August 2026 (1 hour ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
12 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Black & Grey HR is partnering with a Commercial Real Estate company based out of Abu Dhabi UAE. our client is seeking to hire an experienced Development & Projects Director to oversee all design and construction work-streams for both new developments and existing asset enhancements. Lead the Development & Projects department to manage end-to-end project activities establishing best-in-class benchmarks for quality efficiency and service delivery. Ensure that every project aligns with the organizations strategic goals brand identity and operational specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy Development & Planning
- Serve as a key member of the executive management team actively contributing to the organizations vision strategy and long-term objectives to maximize short- medium- and long-term profitability.
- Partner with the CEO to formulate and direct the departmental strategy ensuring full alignment with the corporate mission and objectives.
- Translate overall business strategy into annual operational plans and targets for the department monitoring performance to ensure goals are met.
Project Design & Development Management
- Lead internal design specialists and external consultants to embed strategic vision and operational flexibility into facility designs ensuring all projects reflect the brands identity and functional needs.
- Review and validate design plans and blueprints enforcing compliance with regulatory standards and internal specifications to maintain brand consistency across all assets.
- Facilitate collaborative workshops to translate operational customer-service and market insights into the design and construction process ensuring the relevance and functionality of new or refurbished properties.
Contractor Performance & Compliance
- Set clear project timelines budgetary constraints and quality expectations monitoring contractor performance to ensure delivery in accordance with organizational standards.
- Enforce compliance with local laws international standards and industry best practices through regular audits and reviews upholding integrity across all project activities.
- Implement structured performance-review processes for project partners to drive a culture of excellence accountability and continuous improvement in asset delivery.
Budgeting & Financial Performance
- Direct the preparation and consolidation of the departmental budget monitoring financial performance against projections to identify risks control costs and capitalize on opportunities for improved efficiency.
People Management & Team Development
- Provide strategic leadership to the department setting individual objectives managing performance and motivating the team to maximize their contribution.
- Collaborate with fellow management colleagues to align efforts across the organization ensuring cohesive progress toward shared strategic goals.
- Mentor coach and challenge direct reports fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and career development.
Corporate Stewardship
- Ensure all activities and team outputs are conducted in the best interests of the organization.
- Proactively support cross-functional colleagues in achieving their objectives contributing to a collaborative and integrated working culture.
- Anticipate risks and identify wider opportunities and threats using data-driven insights to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Contribute to business planning and reporting processes leveraging agreed systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Leadership & Organizational Influence
- Provide technical leadership and direction to the Development & Projects team encouraging controlled innovation in processes technology and ways of working.
- Drive the adoption of Agile and Lean methodologies across the organization to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency.
- Empower and model a positive resilient mindset for the team maintaining confidence in the long-term outlook of the property portfolio despite market challenges.
- Set clear expectations delegate effectively and provide constructive feedback to maximize team performance and innovation.
- Serve as a member of the CEOs weekly management committee alongside leaders from Marketing Leasing Fit-out Operations and Facilities Management.
- Play an integral role in the design and redesign of retail centres ensuring new units and spaces are based on actual market demand and leasability.
- Champion organizational values and behaviours internally and externally contributing to leadership boards and staying informed about internal and external developments.
- Support the implementation of the property management system as required.
Policies Systems Processes & Change Management
- Direct the development and implementation of departmental policies systems procedures and controls to ensure all legislative and procedural requirements are met while delivering consistent cost-effective high-quality service.
- Lead change management initiatives by continuously improving systems and practices benchmarking against global standards and adapting to shifts in the business environment.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Construction Management Architecture or a related field from an accredited university.
- A specialized Masters degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Professional certification (e.g. PMP or equivalent) is highly regarded.
Experience
- Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in design and construction management within a fast-paced dynamic environment (GCC experience preferred).
- Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects in the retail or real estate development sector.
- Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiations and relationship management including contract negotiations and performance evaluations.
- History of applying forward-looking strategic managerial and operational methodologies including the use of cutting-edge technologies.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant governing bodies regulatory committees and legal frameworks within the UAE.
Benefits
- Attractive package
Required Skills:
- Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in design and construction management within a fast-paced dynamic environment (GCC experience preferred). - Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects in the retail or real estate development sector. - Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiations and relationship management including contract negotiations and performance evaluations. - History of applying forward-looking strategic managerial and operational methodologies including the use of cutting-edge technologies. - Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant governing bodies regulatory committees and legal frameworks within the UAE.
Required Education:
- Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Construction Management Architecture or a related field from an accredited university.- A specialized Masters degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is strongly preferred.- Professional certification (e.g. PMP or equivalent) is highly regarded.
About Company
Black & Grey HR
0-50 employees
Black & Grey HR is a talent acquisition company that can redefine the concept of ‘experience’ in the recruitment process & build great employer brands. We understand that technological advancements, including mobile internet, social media, automation and artificial intelligence, are ... View more
