Head of Development

Job PurposeThe Head of Development will lead the complete real estate development lifecycle, from feasibility and design through construction, completion, handover, and project closeout.The role requires a highly experienced development professional with a strong Civil Engineering and MEP background and substantial experience working directly with established UAE real estate developers.The Head of Development will be responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered in accordance with approved design, quality, budget, programme, authority requirements, and commercial objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment Strategy & Project LeadershipLead the overall development strategy for the company’s real estate projects.Manage projects from initial concept, feasibility, design, approvals, construction, completion, and final handover.Establish project development plans, budgets, programmes, milestones, and delivery strategies.Provide technical and commercial recommendations to the CEO and senior management.Ensure development objectives are aligned with the company’s investment and business strategy.Identify potential development risks and implement effective mitigation plans.Technical Leadership – Civil & MEPProvide senior-level technical oversight for Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP works.Review and challenge consultants’ and contractors’ technical proposals.Ensure coordination between Civil, Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Fighting, HVAC, and other building systems.Review technical drawings, specifications, BOQs, material submissions, shop drawings, method statements, and technical reports.Identify design conflicts, constructability issues, coordination gaps, and potential cost or programme impacts.Ensure MEP systems are properly integrated with architectural and structural requirements.Monitor testing, commissioning, inspections, and technical completion activities.Design ManagementManage architects, design consultants, engineering consultants, and specialist designers.Oversee concept design, schematic design, detailed design, IFC documentation, and design development.Ensure designs meet project objectives, budget, quality standards, market requirements, and authority regulations.Manage design changes and ensure proper technical and commercial evaluation before approval.Drive value engineering without compromising required quality or project performance.Ensure design deliverables are completed according to the approved project schedule.Construction & Project DeliveryOversee construction activities across all active development projects.Monitor contractor performance, site progress, quality, safety, and programme compliance.Ensure construction is carried out in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, contracts, and regulatory requirements.Conduct regular project and site review meetings.Review progress reports, project delays, technical issues, and recovery plans.Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Consultants, Contractors, QS teams, and internal departments.Escalate major project risks, delays, and cost concerns to senior management with recommended actions.Ensure completion, snagging, testing, commissioning, and handover are properly managed.Commercial & Cost ManagementWork closely with Commercial and Finance teams on project budgets and cost controls.Review development budgets, cost plans, tender recommendations, variations, and contractor claims.Monitor project cost performance against approved budgets.Ensure variations and additional works are properly justified before approval.Participate in contractor and consultant negotiations.Support procurement strategy and major contract awards.Identify value engineering and cost optimisation opportunities.Consultant & Contractor ManagementLead the appointment and performance management of consultants, contractors, and specialist suppliers.Participate in technical evaluation of tenders and proposals.Assess contractor and consultant capabilities prior to appointment.Ensure consultants and contractors fulfil contractual and technical obligations.Resolve project-level technical, contractual, and coordination issues.Maintain strong professional relationships with key project stakeholders.Authority & Regulatory CoordinationEnsure projects comply with UAE building regulations, development requirements, and relevant authority standards.Oversee coordination with relevant authorities for project permits, NOCs, approvals, inspections, and completion certificates.Ensure authority approvals are obtained according to project schedules.Monitor changes in technical regulations that may impact existing or future projects.Quality ManagementEstablish and maintain high development and construction quality standards.Monitor QA/QC performance across projects.Ensure materials, finishes, workmanship, and installations meet approved project specifications.Review major quality issues and ensure corrective actions are implemented.Ensure defects, snagging, and outstanding works are resolved before final handover.Handover & Project CloseoutLead the technical handover process from contractor to developer.Ensure testing and commissioning records, warranties, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and authority approvals are complete.Coordinate final inspections and snagging.Support handover to property management, facilities management, customer service, and end users.Ensure project closeout documentation is complete and properly maintained.Leadership & Team ManagementLead and develop the Development, Project Management, Engineering, and Technical teams.Establish clear roles, responsibilities, KPIs, and performance expectations.Build a strong project delivery culture focused on accountability, quality, cost, and schedule.Mentor Project Managers, Engineers, and technical staff.Coordinate effectively with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Customer Service, and Facility Management teams.Provide regular development and project status updates to the CEO and senior management.Qualification & ExperienceBachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related Engineering discipline.A Civil Engineering or MEP Engineering background is strongly preferred.Master’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or Real Estate Development will be an advantage.Professional certifications such as PMP, MRICS, MCIOB, CEng, or equivalent will be an advantage.Minimum 10 years of real estate development experience.Strong preference for candidates with at least 10 years of direct UAE real estate developer-side experience.Significant experience delivering residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, or large-scale development projects.Strong hands-on experience in Civil and MEP coordination and project delivery.Proven experience managing projects from design through construction and handover.Strong experience managing consultants, contractors, design teams, and project management teams.Required Skills & CompetenciesStrong Civil, MEP, construction, and development management knowledge.Strong understanding of the complete real estate development lifecycle.Excellent project planning and execution capabilities.Strong commercial and cost awareness.Excellent contract and consultant management skills.Strong knowledge of design coordination and constructability.Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.Ability to identify technical risks before they affect cost or programme.Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.Strong reporting and presentation skills for CEO and senior management.Excellent English communication skills.UAE authority and regulatory knowledge is essential.