General Manager, Development Management - Real Estate

Job Summary Lead and direct the real estate development portfolio across the entire lifecycle, from concept inception, land use planning, and financial modeling to design, pre-construction, execution, and handover. This role drives overall development strategy and business planning, aligns asset development with commercial and financial targets, oversees master planning and public realm creation, and manages relationships with authorities, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure project delivery within scope, budget, and schedule.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment Strategy & Business Planning:Lead portfolio development strategies and identify new real estate development opportunities aligned with corporate business plans.Oversee comprehensive feasibility studies, assessment strategies, and Highest and Best Use (HBU) / land use planning.Develop comprehensive business plans and oversee detailed financial modeling, project budgets, and key investment metrics including IRR, ROI, and NPV.Structure real estate transactions and collaborate with financial institutions and investors to optimize real estate financing structures.Development Lifecycle & Pre-Construction Management:Direct and coordinate all development phases including design, permitting, tendering, procurement, and execution in close collaboration with Project Management Offices (PMO).Review and approve Master Plans, architectural schemes, and interior architecture, ensuring integration with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) standards, sustainable design principles, and high-quality public realm spaces.Direct pre-construction activities, resource allocation, and program management to guarantee on-time, on-budget project delivery.Align development deliverables with marketing, sales, and asset management teams to drive unit absorption, sales targets, and successful asset operational readiness.Risk Governance & Change Management:Control project scope, manage financial and operational risks, and execute proactive risk assessment strategies.Lead change management processes to resolve schedule and cost variances swiftly while maintaining quality benchmarks.Make executive decisions to uphold strict project governance and cost controls.Stakeholder Management & Leadership:Spearhead high-stakes negotiations and contract administration with master planners, lead consultants, contractors, and development partners.Build and maintain strategic relationships with municipal authorities, government ministries, and regulatory bodies to expedite statutory approvals and permits.Drive business development initiatives and cross-functional team leadership, mentoring high-performing teams and fostering operational excellence.Core Skills & CompetenciesStrategy & Planning: Development Strategy, Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Program Management, Land Use Planning, Assessment Strategies.Financial & Commercial: Financial Modeling, Real Estate Financing, Real Estate Transactions, Budgeting, Financial Risk Management, Feasibility Studies.Design & Pre-Construction: Pre-Construction, Master Planning, Public Realm, Sustainable Design, Interior Architecture, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Project Delivery.Leadership & Operations: Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, Business Development, Sales Enablement, Change Management, Risk Assessment, Executive Communication.Qualifications & RequirementsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, or Business Administration. A Master’s degree (MBA / Master of Real Estate Development) or professional certifications (MRICS, PMP) are preferred.Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive real estate development experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior executive leadership capacity (General Manager, Development Director, or equiv