Development Director

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in February, subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential of every project.

The project:

Mace is delivering PMC services across a significant portfolio of high-value mixed-use developments. The projects are at various stages of the development cycle and need to be managed through planning, design, procurement and delivery on what is a multi-year assignment.

Mace is seeking a development director to work within their organisation on a direct secondment. They have a significant land bank in their portfolio, all of which are at different stages of development. They require a senior development director with extensive experience driving projects through the development cycle. They also need someone who is capable of running market studies and feasibility reports on land banks, highest and best use, building a business case, and presenting it to the board for new project approval.

The right candidate will have a significant amount of client-side UAE development experience. They will also possess excellent behaviours aligned with the Mace values, be able to communicate at the highest levels, and work under pressure.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Drives the assessment and definition of new opportunities by discerning value and understanding the relevant markets, driving growth across the development sector.
• Maximises value through decision-making regarding the development of a diverse range of asset classes.
• Prepares, reviews, challenges and approves financial and development appraisals, including cashflow modelling.
• Evaluates alternative development investment structures, when and how to deploy development agreements, and the potential to allocate risk by working in joint ventures.
• Sources competitive funding for schemes.
• Oversees due diligence on new purchases.
• Controls and oversees development budgets, cost plans and financial models.
• Oversees development and project management processes to both time, budget and costs.
• Partners strategically with project management teams through design, planning, procurement and cost management, construction, operations and disposal.
• Oversees the pre-let and leasing activity.
• Executes effective disposal strategies.
• Maintains, cultivates and establishes a strong collaborative network, developing partnerships with external stakeholders, client relationships/account management and dealings with investors and landowners.
• Manages, influences and negotiates with key senior stakeholders (C-suite and above) on matters of strategic importance.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction to the development business within Mace.
• Drives the promotion of the highest standards of safety, health and welfare across the team.
• Oversees the recruitment, coaching and development of teams and individuals to support overall growth across the development sector.
• Directs the implementation of a systematic performance improvement cycle to continually improve the quality across the development sector.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of a net zero carbon transition and shares responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You’ll need to have:

• A relevant degree qualification.
• Strong digital knowledge.
• Experience working in the United Arab Emirates is essential for client approval.
• Extensive experience driving projects through the development cycle.
• Capability to run market studies and feasibility reports on land banks, highest and best use, build a business case, and present to the board for new project approval.

You’ll also have:

• Membership in RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Substantial experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the consultancy sector.
• Property or infrastructure project management expertise.
• Commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience leading parts of projects within large, diverse teams.
• Experience of developing and forming relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.