Senior Director – Development & Delivery

Job description

**Position Title:** Senior Director – Development & Delivery **Industry:** Real Estate Development & Infrastructure **Location:** United Arab Emirates (UAE) / GCC Region **Employment Type:** Full-time, Permanent **Confidentiality Notice:** *This document contains strictly confidential information intended solely for executive search and candidate evaluation purposes. Neither the client’s identity nor specific project details may be disclosed without prior written authorization.* **Executive Summary** A premier, publicly listed real estate development company in the GCC region is seeking an exceptional construction executive to lead its project portfolio. The **Senior Director – Projects Delivery** will assume overall responsibility for leading, structuring, and executing a diverse array of large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use development projects across the UAE. Reporting directly to executive leadership (CEO/COO), the successful candidate will provide strategic oversight across all operational phases—from concept design through to commissioning and hand-over. This role requires a seasoned leader capable of managing multi-billion AED project portfolios, championing modern project management methodologies, enforcing rigorous QA/QC and EHS standards, and maximizing commercial returns. **Key Responsibilities** **1. Strategic Portfolio & Operational Leadership** - Define, establish, and execute strategic project delivery plans aligned with broader corporate growth and profitability targets. - Direct and oversee the execution of all live project portfolios across the region, ensuring delivery strictly on time, within budget, and to world-class quality standards. - Monitor project performance continuously and present regular strategic updates, risk profiles, and operational metrics to executive stakeholders (CEO/COO). - Lead organizational transformation and change management initiatives to streamline project delivery workflows and optimize operational efficiency. **2. Project Governance, Process & Systems Management** - Establish, standardize, and enforce robust project management methodologies, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all active project teams. - Implement comprehensive in-house tracking systems and dashboard reporting to monitor project milestones, cost variations, and scheduling baselines. - Conduct systematic project audits, identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing corrective action plans or field solutions to drive continuous productivity. - Oversee claims management and impact analysis to safeguard corporate interests regarding contract disputes and variations. **3. Commercial, Financial & Procurement Oversight** - Collaborate closely with Commercial, Estimating, and Design teams during pre-construction phases, bid proposals, and value engineering reviews to establish realistic execution budgets. - Manage multi-project operational budgets, capital allocation, and forecasting to protect gross margin targets across the delivery lifecycle. - Direct the selection, procurement, and ongoing management of tier-one Main Contractors, external design consultants, and specialist advisers. - Hold ultimate operational responsibility for contract administration, setting high-quality standards, and holding key supply chain partners accountable. **4. Team Leadership & Strategic Resource Planning** - Lead, mentor, and build high-performing project teams, providing executive oversight to Project Directors, Construction Managers, and site teams. - Drive strategic manpower planning and resource allocation to balance project requirements across the enterprise. - Establish clear KPI structures, conduct performance assessments, and cultivate a culture of consultative leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement. **5. Quality, EHS & Regulatory Compliance** - Champion zero-harm Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices across all construction sites in compliance with local government regulations and company policies. - Enforce rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) management systems across design and construction activities. **Candidate Profile & Qualifications** **Education & Certifications** - **Bachelor’s Degree** in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution (Required). - **Master’s Degree** in Business Administration (MBA), Construction Management, or Project Management (Highly Preferred). - Professional certifications such as PMP, MRICS, or equivalent chartered engineering status are highly desirable. **Required Experience** - **Total Experience:** Minimum of 20 years of progressive, post-qualification experience in real estate development, master planning, or major construction delivery. - **Leadership Experience:** At least 8 to 10 years in a senior executive management role (Director, VP, or Senior Director level) within a leading property developer or main contracting firm in the UAE or GCC region. - **Track Record:** Demonstrated success managing multiple large-scale, high-complexity mega-projects simultaneously from early-stage concept design through execution to final close-out and handover. - **Commercial Expertise:** Deep knowledge of international Forms of Contract (e.g., FIDIC), contract administration, value engineering, and high-value claim dispute resolution. **Core Competencies & Leadership Attributes** - **Strategic & Intellectual Vision:** Ability to translate corporate strategy into actionable project execution plans while managing complexity and ambiguity. - **Commercial & Financial Acumen:** Strong capability in fiscal management, budget control, and margin protection for complex developments. - **Consultative & Decisive Leadership:** Proven talent for leading diverse technical teams, managing senior multi-stakeholder relationships, and building collaborative cultures. - **Technical & Digital Proficiency:** Hands-on expertise with enterprise Project Management Software, financial tracking systems, and modern construction tech. - **Language Skills:** Professional fluency in English is mandatory; bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is highly advantageous