Chief Development Officer / Head of Development

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Chief Development Officer / Head of Development to lead our real estate development initiatives. This role is instrumental in shaping our growth strategy and overseeing the full real estate development lifecycle from land acquisition to project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement the overall real estate development strategy.
2. Identify target markets and define project pipelines.
3. Identify, evaluate, and negotiate land acquisitions.
4. Conduct thorough due diligence and feasibility analysis.
5. Oversee market research, feasibility studies, and financial modeling.
6. Work closely with architects, engineers, and consultants for project planning.
7. Secure project financing and manage project budgets.
8. Ensure financial feasibility and project profitability.
9. Oversee the entire construction process, ensuring quality control, adherence to timelines, and budget compliance.
10. Manage contractors and consultants effectively.
11. Develop and oversee the implementation of sales and marketing strategies in collaboration with relevant teams.
12. Ensure compliance with all relevant local, regional, and federal regulations.
13. Obtain necessary permits and approvals.
14. Recruit, build, and lead a high-performing real estate development team.
15. Provide mentorship and guidance to team members.
16. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government authorities, contractors, and consultants.
17. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with real estate development projects.

Candidate Profile (Must-Haves):

1. Experience: 15+ years in UAE real estate development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
2. Project Expertise: Proven track record of leading large-scale projects (AED 500M+ in value) from land acquisition to delivery.
3. Regulatory Knowledge: Strong connections and experience working with Dubai authorities (DLD, RERA, Dubai Municipality).
4. Market Insight: Deep understanding of the Dubai real estate market, including regulations, key players, market trends, and competitive landscape.
5. Leadership: Experience in building and leading high-performing teams.
6. Financial Acumen: Expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, and project financing.
7. Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successful deals.
8. Strategic Growth: Experience in scaling portfolios (e.g., growing a developer from 1 to 10 projects).
9. Network: Established relationships with key industry stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, government officials, and financial institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. MBA or relevant master's degree in real estate, Finance, or Business Administration.
2. Certification in Project Management or Real Estate Development is a plus.
3. Previous experience in a senior leadership role within a top-tier real estate developer in Dubai.