Development Director - Villas & Townhouses - Residential

Qiddiya is seeking a Development Director to lead the planning and development of major residential projects across its growing residential portfolio.The role will own the full development lifecycle, from feasibility, business planning and product definition through design development, procurement, construction, sales readiness and handover. The successful candidate will lead assigned developments and coordinate closely with Design, Cost Planning, Delivery, Sales, Finance and external consultants to ensure projects are commercially successful and aligned with approved business objectives.This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced development leader to play a key role in shaping one of the Kingdom's most significant lifestyle destinations.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment LeadershipLead major residential projects through all stages of the development lifecycleOwn development business plans, feasibility studies, project strategies and key development assumptionsDrive the development process from concept design through project completion and handoverMonitor project performance against approved business plans, budgets, schedules and development objectivesIdentify risks, opportunities and value enhancement initiatives throughout the development lifecycleProduct & Commercial StrategyLead the definition of residential products, including apartments, villas, townhouses and mixed-use residential developmentsEnsure projects meet market demand, customer expectations and commercial objectivesDrive development phasing, product mix, pricing assumptions and value creation initiativesSupport investment decisions through clear commercial analysis and development recommendationsDesign & Planning ManagementDirect consultants throughout the design process and ensure designs align with approved development objectivesCoordinate master planning, architecture, engineering, infrastructure and authority approvalsEnsure design solutions balance quality, customer requirements, cost efficiency and operational considerationsChallenge design proposals and drive decisions that maximise project value and commercial performanceStakeholder ManagementLead coordination with Cost Planning, Delivery, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal and Procurement teamsManage relationships with external consultants, authorities, partners and sub-developersPresent project updates, recommendations and key decisions to senior leadership and governance committeesFacilitate alignment across stakeholders on major development decisionsGovernance & ReportingOwn project governance requirements and stage-gate approvalsTrack key project risks, opportunities and decisions throughout the development lifecyclePrepare investment papers, committee submissions and executive presentationsEnsure projects comply with approved governance processes and reporting requirementsWhat Success Looks LikeSuccessfully leading residential developments through key stage-gates and approvalsDelivering commercially viable projects aligned with approved business plansMaking strong development decisions relating to product strategy, phasing, budget and project deliveryBuilding strong relationships across development, design, cost, delivery and sales functionsCreating high-quality residential products that enhance Qiddiya's long-term visionActing as a trusted development lead for senior stakeholdersRequirementsBachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field12+ years of experience within a real estate developer, master developer or large-scale mixed-use development organizationStrong experience leading residential developments from early stages, not solely design or deliveryProven experience owning feasibility studies, development business plans, development budgets and project phasing strategiesExposure to the full development lifecycle from concept through delivery and handoverExperience managing consultants, partners and multidisciplinary project teamsStrong stakeholder management and communication skills, including interaction with senior leadershipAbility to influence and drive development decisions across multiple stakeholdersStrong analytical, commercial and problem-solving mindset