Senior Director: Development & Delivery

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