Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer - UAEReal Estate & PropertyProperty DevelopmentDubaiPermanent / Full Time5 / 11 / 2025Oversees strategy, masterplanning, design and delivery of multi-asset portfolioManages internal development, design, and project delivery teamsEnsures projects meet commercial targets, quality standards and timelinesThe Chief Development Officer will lead the full development lifecycle across a multi-billion dirham real estate portfolio consisting of residential communities, branded residences, hospitality assets, retail destinations, and mixed‑use masterplans. This role carries strategic and operational accountability for shaping the development pipeline, managing design and delivery teams, and ensuring commercial, financial, and technical outcomes align with the Group's vision and investment objectives.The CDO will work closely with the CEO, Board, Investment, Commercial, and Asset Management functions, acting as a key leadership figure representing the organisation with government entities, consultants, contractors, and JV partners.Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & PlanningDefine the long‑term development strategy in alignment with corporate growth objectives.Originate, evaluate, and structure new development opportunities and masterplans.Lead feasibility analysis, business case preparation, project prioritisation, and capital allocation.Provide leadership input on investment strategy, pricing, phasing, product mix, and market positioning.Design & Development ManagementOversee concept design, master‑planning, detailed design, and value engineering processes.Ensure product and design quality meets brand standards and customer expectations.Manage internal design teams and external consultants, architects and engineering firms.Drive efficient approvals and permitting through government and regulatory bodies.Project Delivery & ExecutionOversee project delivery from groundbreaking through to handover.Manage development and project management leads to ensure on‑time, on‑budget execution.Implement robust project governance, reporting, risk controls, and change‑management protocols.Resolve high‑level stakeholder, technical, commercial and contractual matters.Financial & Commercial AccountabilitySet development budgets, manage cost controls, and ensure commercial performance.Approve procurement strategies, contractors and key consultant appointments.Monitor financial KPIs, cashflows, schedules and value creation targets.Leadership & RepresentationBuild, lead and develop high‑performing design, development and delivery teams.Represent the business in board‑level reviews, partner negotiations and public engagements.Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, design excellence and disciplined execution.Candidate Profile15+ years' experience in real estate development, with a strong track record in the GCC.Proven leadership delivering mixed‑use, residential, hospitality or masterplan projects at scale.Strong understanding of development finance, cost planning, feasibility and commercial modelling.Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing external consultants/contractors.Strong communication, stakeholder management and executive reporting capabilities.Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels.Preferred BackgroundsMaster Developer, Real Estate Investment Platform, Sovereign‑backed Entity or Large Private Developer.UAE experience is a must.Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate, Urban Planning or related discipline (MBA advantageous).#J-18808-Ljbffr