Project Director – Luxury Real Estate Development

Position OverviewWe are seeking an accomplished Project Director with a degree in Architecture to lead the planning, design management, development and execution of luxury residential real estate projects in Spain.The successful candidate will be responsible for the complete project lifecycle, from concept development, feasibility, architectural design and statutory approvals through procurement, construction, quality assurance, commissioning and final handover.This position requires a strategic and commercially oriented professional who understands the nuances of luxury residential development and can translate architectural vision into commercially viable, high-quality developments.The candidate will work closely with the Group leadership, architects, design consultants, engineering teams, contractors, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely, cost-effective and quality-driven project delivery.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment Strategy & Project PlanningLead the end-to-end development lifecycle of luxury residential projects.Translate development briefs and investment objectives into actionable project execution strategies.Establish project scope, development plans, budgets, timelines and delivery milestones.Evaluate project feasibility, development constraints, design options and construction methodologies.Develop integrated project master schedules covering design, approvals, procurement, construction and handover.Identify project risks, dependencies and mitigation strategies.Align development execution with business objectives, financial returns and brand positioning.Support the identification and evaluation of new development opportunities, land parcels and project expansion possibilities.2. Design ManagementLead architectural design development from concept through detailed design and construction documentation.Coordinate with international architects, local Spanish architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, landscape designers and interior designers.Ensure architectural design aligns with luxury positioning, functionality, aesthetics and commercial feasibility.Review and approve design drawings, specifications, material selections, mock-ups and technical submissions.Drive design optimisation, value engineering and buildability reviews without compromising quality.Ensure integration of architecture, structure, MEP, façade, landscape, interiors and specialist systems.Manage design changes and ensure appropriate impact assessments on cost, schedule and quality.Maintain design intent throughout the construction phase.3.Project Execution & Construction ManagementLead project execution across all phases of construction and development.Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, consultants and specialist vendors.Monitor construction progress against approved schedules, budgets and project milestones.Ensure effective coordination between design teams, site teams and project stakeholders.Drive resolution of technical issues, construction bottlenecks and execution challenges.Ensure appropriate deployment of manpower, materials, equipment and project resources.Conduct regular site inspections, progress reviews and project performance assessments.Establish robust project governance, reporting systems and escalation mechanisms.Ensure timely completion, commissioning and handover of projects.4.Planning, Approval & Regulatory ComplianceCoordinate with Spanish architects, technical consultants and local authorities for planning and construction approvals.Oversee compliance with applicable Spanish building regulations, municipal planning requirements and technical standards.Coordinate licensing, building permits, environmental requirements and statutory inspections.Ensure appropriate integration of local regulatory requirements into project design and execution.Monitor compliance with applicable health, safety, environmental and construction regulations.Work closely with legal, technical and external advisory teams to address regulatory risks.5. Commercial, Budget & Cost ManagementDevelop and monitor project budgets, cost plans and cash flow requirements.Oversee tendering, contractor selection, contract negotiations and procurement strategies.Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.Review contractor claims, variations, change orders and payment recommendations.Drive cost optimisation and value engineering initiatives.Identify commercial risks, potential cost overruns and schedule-related financial exposure.Ensure commercial decisions are aligned with project quality and investment objectives.Provide periodic financial and project performance reports to senior management.6. Luxury Quality & Customer ExperienceEstablish and maintain premium construction and finishing standards consistent with luxury real estate positioning.Ensure superior quality in façade, materials, interiors, landscaping, amenities and building services.Oversee quality assurance and quality control processes.Review sample apartments, villa mock-ups, material boards and benchmark finishes.Drive defect prevention, snagging, rectification and quality closure.Coordinate with Sales, CRM and Customer Experience teams to ensure project delivery aligns with customer commitments.Ensure a seamless transition from construction completion to customer handover.7. Stakeholder & Leadership ManagementAct as the primary project leadership interface with Group management and relevant Spanish stakeholders.Lead multidisciplinary teams comprising architects, engineers, project managers, consultants and contractors.Build and manage relationships with local development partners, contractors, consultants and authorities.Conduct structured project review meetings and ensure accountability for deliverables.Develop a performance-driven project culture focused on speed, quality, ownership and collaboration.Provide clear, data-driven project updates, decision papers and risk assessments to senior leadership.Manage complex stakeholder expectations and resolve escalated issues.8. Project Governance, Reporting & Risk ManagmentEstablish project governance frameworks, approval mechanisms and reporting protocols.Monitor project KPIs covering schedule, cost, quality, safety and project readiness.Maintain risk registers and implement mitigation plans.Ensure timely escalation of critical project issues.Establish change management and document control processes.Drive transparency, accountability and effective decision-making across project teams.Ensure all project documentation, approvals, contracts and handover records are properly maintained.Education QualificationBachelor's Degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from a recognised university.Master's in Architecture, Construction Management, Real Estate Development or Project Management will be an advantage.Preferred Certifications:PMP / PRINCE2RICS / equivalent project or construction management credentialsRelevant professional registration or eligibility to practise in Spain, where required for the role.Experience Requirements15–20+ years of overall professional experience.At least 8–10 years in senior project leadership / project development roles.Significant experience in luxury residential, premium villas, branded residences, high-end apartments or mixed-use real estate developments.Demonstrated experience managing projects from design and planning through construction and final handover.Experience working with international architects, consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.Strong exposure to project budgeting, contracts, procurement, construction planning and quality management.Experience in Spain's real estate market or other European markets will be highly preferred.GCC luxury development experience will be considered favourably, provided the candidate has strong execution and delivery capabilities.Geographic & Language RequirementsPreferred candidates: Spanish professionals with strong knowledge of the local real estate market.Candidates must have valid legal authorisation to work in Spain.Fluency in Spanish is essential for effective engagement with local authorities, contractors and consultants.Professional proficiency in English is mandatory for interaction with international leadership and stakeholders.Willingness to be based in or relocate to the Costa del Sol region.Key CompetenciesStrategic & Commercial AcumenStrong understanding of real estate development economics.Ability to balance design excellence, cost, time and investment returns.Commercially sound decision-making.Architectural & Technical ExpertiseStrong architectural design appreciation.Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, engineering coordination and technical specifications.Strong knowledge of luxury residential development standards.Leadership & ExecutionProven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams.Strong planning, prioritisation and execution capabilities.High ownership and accountability.Ability to manage complex projects under tight timelines.Stakeholder ManagementStrong negotiation and influencing skills.Ability to manage international and local stakeholders.Excellent communication and presentation skills.Personal AttributesHigh integrity and professional maturity.Detail-oriented with a strong quality mindset.Decisive, proactive and solution-oriented.Customer-centric and committed to delivery excellence.Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, international development environment.Ideal Candidate ProfileAn Architect who has evolved into a senior real estate development and project delivery leader, with the ability to combine design sensibility, construction expertise, commercial understanding and strategic leadership.The ideal candidate will have successfully delivered luxury residential developments and possess the maturity to represent an international developer in Spain while maintaining high standards of execution, governance and customer experience.