Development Director - Residential

About the company

My client a leading real estate developer in Dubai is seeking an experienced Development Director to oversee a prestigious portfolio of luxury real estate projects. The ideal candidate will have an architectural design background and have transitioned into developer-side development management, combining strong design sensibilities with commercial awareness and end-to-end project delivery experience. The role will focus on realising individual developments from concept and feasibility through design, procurement, construction and final handover to end users. The emphasis is on delivering exceptional buildings and high-quality finished products rather than masterplanning.

Your tasks

Development Management

• Lead the full development lifecycle of luxury residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects, from initial concept and feasibility through to completion and handover.
• Establish and manage project briefs, budgets, programmes, delivery strategies and key milestones.
• Monitor project performance, manage risks and resolve challenges to ensure delivery within agreed timeframes and financial parameters.
• Ensure developments meet investment objectives, quality expectations and end-user requirements.

Design Leadership

• Use an architectural design background to guide design development and protect the quality and integrity of the original vision.
• Appoint, manage and coordinate architects, interior designers, engineers and specialist consultants.
• Review design proposals to ensure they meet the brief, enhance the end-user experience and align with commercial objectives.
• Oversee technical coordination, specifications, material selection and value engineering, maintaining luxury standards while ensuring buildability and cost efficiency.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Oversee development budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts and financial reporting.
• Manage feasibility studies, development appraisals and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to optimise development value, control costs and improve project returns.
• Assess design changes, procurement decisions and commercial risks to protect project profitability.

Project Delivery

• Oversee procurement, contractor appointments, construction progress, quality assurance, testing and commissioning.
• Coordinate project managers, contractors, consultants and internal teams to ensure efficient delivery.
• Monitor workmanship, programme, health and safety, and compliance with approved designs and specifications.
• Lead completion, snagging, defects management and handover to ensure developments are ready for occupation and meet the required standards.

Stakeholder and End-User Management

• Act as the key point of coordination between internal departments, consultants, contractors, operators and relevant authorities.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure the finished product aligns with market positioning and buyer expectations.
• Ensure end-user functionality and customer requirements are considered throughout design and delivery.
• Oversee handover documentation, warranties and defect resolution to support a positive customer experience.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Architecture, Architectural Design or a related discipline.
• Significant experience transitioning from architectural practice into a developer-side development management role.
• Proven track record delivering luxury residential, hospitality or high-end mixed-use developments from concept through to completion and end-user handover.
• Strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including feasibility, design management, budgeting, procurement, construction and handover.
• Ability to balance design excellence and architectural ambition with commercial performance, programme and buildability.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams, contractors and internal stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, including development appraisals, cost management, risk assessment and financial reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects while maintaining high standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Previous experience in Dubai or the wider UAE real estate market is highly desirable.

The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate will combine the creative vision of an architect with the commercial awareness and delivery focus of an experienced real estate developer. They will be capable of leading multidisciplinary teams, making informed commercial decisions and taking ownership of projects through to completion, ensuring every development delivers an exceptional product for its intended end users.