Director, Development | Real Estate | Hospitality

Job Requisition ID: 180084 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

• The Director of Development is a key figure in driving the company's strategic vision for real estate projects. This role encompasses overseeing the full lifecycle of development projects, from strategic planning and market analysis to financial management and risk compliance. The position is highly collaborative, requiring engagement with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects align with organizational goals and market demands. Given the dynamic nature of the real estate industry, the Director must adeptly navigate complex project cycles, balancing agility with risk mitigation, and delivering projects that enhance organizational growth, profitability, and sustainability.

Strategic Planning & Market Analysis

• Develop and implement strategic plans for real estate development projects, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall strategy and long-term vision.
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify development opportunities, evaluate feasibility, and conduct competitor analysis.

Project Financial Management

• Oversee all financial aspects of development projects, including budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial modeling to ensure optimal financial performance.
• Ensure financial objectives are met by monitoring project costs and minimizing financial risks.

Development Lifecycle Management

• Manage the development lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered from inception through to completion, meeting all milestones and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with finance, design, project management, and procurement teams to ensure seamless execution of development plans.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including financial institutions, contractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Engage with stakeholders regularly to communicate project progress, address concerns, and manage expectations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify potential risks to development projects, including market, financial, and operational risks, and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all projects comply with local regulations, safety standards, and sustainability practices.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams, ensuring collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Mentor and guide team members to achieve personal and professional growth.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Integrate sustainability and innovation into all development projects, ensuring adherence to green building standards and incorporating cutting-edge technologies where appropriate.
• Ensure environmental impact is minimized and long-term sustainability is considered in all developments.

Reporting & Documentation

• Provide regular, detailed reports to senior management on the progress of development projects, highlighting key milestones, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure that all project documentation, including development briefs, feasibility studies, and financial reports, are accurate and up-to-date.

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of local and regional real estate markets, regulations, and industry trends.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business, etc.).
• 10-15 years of experience in real estate development, with a proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale/complex real estate developments.
• Experience across all asset classes; experience in the MENA region is preferred.
• Strong leadership and management skills, excellent analytical and financial modeling abilities, and demonstrated commitment to sustainability and innovation.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate
The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years. 
Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us.
AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.