Development Manager | Real Estate

• The Development Manager is responsible for setting and guiding the strategic direction of the Dubai Festival City Masterplan development to enhance asset value. This role involves leading the entire development process from initial planning through to project handover. A focus is placed on achieving financial returns, maintaining budget discipline, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Effective management of consultants, projects, and procurement strategy is essential for success in this role.

Consultant Selection

• Responsible for inviting proposals related to project designs and managing the selection and negotiation process with shortlisted consultants.
• Develop and deliver specific Request for Proposals (RFPs) relevant to consultant functions.
• Produce all internal approval documentation within policy and procedural guidelines.
• Review, monitor, and address shortfalls in deliverables, implementing required rectification strategies.

Authorities Management

• Manage all necessary documentation with consultant teams in line with programme dates.
• Achieve all project approvals as per approved programme milestones.

Design Development

• Ensure design development goals are achieved from concept to detailed design.
• Appoint consultants to maintain the project's overall vision.
• Secure and document all required briefs to ensure company standards are achieved.
• Assess project cost estimates to ensure alignment with approved budgets.

Project Management

• Collaborate with project managers to ensure projects meet time, cost, quality, and commercial return objectives.
• Act as a coordinator between the owner, consultants, contractors, and end tenants.
• Monitor change management processes for essential approvals, cost assessments, and programme impacts.

Procurement Strategy

• Collaborate with the Procurement Team to develop a procurement strategy meeting company requirements.
• Provide input and review procurement strategies with relevant teams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant company policies.

Project Reporting

• Compile and present project status updates regarding construction progress and financial performance.
• Coordinate and prepare monthly Project Control Group Papers.
• Maintain updated feasibility studies and provide timely executive dashboard reports.

Leasing/Tenant Coordination

• Coordinate with the Tenant Coordination team to drive the fit-out process and resolve issues.
• Ensure handover dates to retailers are met according to programme and lease obligations.
• Facilitate ongoing coordination with base build and tenant contractors.

Project Handover

• Manage the handover of projects to Asset Owners ensuring all commitments are met.
• Ensure quality checks and appropriate sign-offs are completed.

Team Management and Leadership

• Conduct formal monthly reviews with all consultant team managers, identifying and rectifying performance issues.
• Encourage motivation and support among individuals and consultants to achieve business objectives.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft programs and related project management techniques.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of FIDIC and construction techniques.
• Proven leadership and management abilities with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at all organizational levels.

• Degree qualified in Business or Project Management from a premier institute.
• At least 7+ years experience in a development or project role, with a strong track record in project delivery, handover, and closeout.
• Experience in the real estate, retail, and/or hospitality sectors is desirable.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.