Director - Retail Development

Lead the end-to-end development of assigned new retail assets and/or redevelopment portfolios, from project definition and feasibility through design, procurement, delivery, opening and post-completion review. The role is accountable for protecting the approved business case, retail product intent, programme, cost, quality and risk position while aligning internal functions, operating partners, consultants, contractors and authorities. Strategic Responsibilities
Translate the Retail Development strategy and annual operating plan into prioritised programmes, budgets and delivery plans for assigned assets. Shape asset concepts, positioning, merchandising principles and development parameters using market, catchment, competitor and operational insight. Maintain the integrity of the investment case at each gateway, recommending acceleration, recovery, re‑scoping or escalation where required. Contribute to portfolio planning, resource allocation, development standards and continuous improvement across the function.
Portfolio Planning & Business Case
Own project briefs, development parameters, scope definitions, feasibility inputs, business cases, annual budgets, reforecasts and cash‑flow profiles for assigned assets. Challenge assumptions relating to gross leasable area, development cost, income, phasing, disruption, tenant requirements and operational readiness. Prepare and present gateway submissions, committee papers, dashboards and recommendations for decision.
Retail Product, Leasing & Income
Direct the retail concept, positioning, merchandising plan, unit mix, floorplate efficiency, circulation, anchor strategy and customer‑experience requirements. Lead alignment with leasing and operating teams, assess deal and tenant requirements, and direct the design, cost and programme response to leasing changes. Protect ancillary, commercialisation, parking and other income provisions against the approved business case.
Design, Technical & Authority Governance
Direct design development and review stage deliverables against the brief, technical standards, operational needs and approved investment case. Chair design freeze, value‑engineering and change‑control decisions, balancing cost, programme, quality, leasing value and design intent. Oversee master‑plan, infrastructure, utilities, sustainability, authority approval and NOC strategies, resolving escalated interfaces and derogations.
Commercial & Delivery Management
Set procurement and contracting strategies, review tender evaluations, and recommend awards in accordance with applicable approval authorities. Review cost reports, cost‑to‑complete forecasts, variations, claims, payment matters and commercial risks, taking timely corrective action. Chair project reviews, monitor programme and critical path, direct recovery plans, and resolve escalated technical, contractual, authority and stakeholder issues.
Handover & Operational Readiness
Oversee site progress, quality, HSE, risk and change management through completion. Direct operational readiness, tenant fit‑out, commissioning, phased handover, asset information delivery and opening planning with mall management and facilities management. Ensure defects, close‑out obligations and post‑opening reviews are completed and lessons learned are captured.
Governance & Assurance
Maintain project governance, records, delegated‑authority compliance, risk escalation and a reliable single source of project information. Ensure consultant and contractor performance is measured and that project reporting is accurate, timely and decision‑focused.
People Management
Set clear objectives, allocate work, monitor performance, provide timely feedback and support capability development in line with functional priorities. Promote collaboration, accountability, knowledge sharing, inclusion and continuous improvement across employees, consultants and project partners.
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction/Project Management, Real Estate or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or professional membership is preferred. Experience Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in large‑scale real estate development, including substantial retail/mixed‑use experience and leadership of projects through feasibility, design, procurement, construction and handover. UAE/GCC experience is preferred. Technical Competencies
Retail development lifecycle and product definition Development appraisal, feasibility and business‑case governance Shopping‑centre design management and technical coordination Leasing, tenant and operator interfaces Cost, procurement, contracts, risk and change control Programme, gateway and delegated‑authority governance Construction delivery, commissioning and operational readiness Consultant, contractor, authority and stakeholder management