Senior Development Manager

Ardent Partners is proud to be partnering with a leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi to recruit an experienced Senior Development Manager.Our client has an outstanding reputation for delivering landmark residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and master-planned developments across the UAE. With an exciting pipeline of major projects, they are looking to appoint a commercially astute development professional who can lead projects from initial concept through feasibility, design development, and into delivery.This is a strategic role within the Development team and is ideally suited to candidates with a strong architectural background who have transitioned into real estate development.The RoleReporting to the Development Director, you will take ownership of multiple development projects, leading the front-end development process from site evaluation and feasibility through design management and project initiation.Working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, government authorities, and executive leadership, you will ensure developments are commercially viable, technically robust, and aligned with the company's long-term development strategy.A key focus of this position is leading comprehensive feasibility studies and driving design-led solutions that maximise project value while balancing commercial, operational, and technical objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead feasibility studies including financial, commercial, technical and planning assessments.Prepare development strategies, business cases and investment recommendations.Manage projects from concept design through planning, design development and project approval.Appoint, manage and coordinate architects, master planners and multidisciplinary consultants.Challenge and optimise design proposals to improve functionality, efficiency and commercial performance.Work closely with Cost, Finance, Construction and Sales teams throughout the development process.Manage stakeholder engagement with consultants, authorities and internal business units.Monitor programme, design quality, budgets and development risks.Drive value engineering initiatives while protecting the design vision.Present project updates and recommendations to senior leadership.Candidate RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Architecture is strongly preferred.10+ years' experience in real estate development with a recognised developer.Proven experience delivering large-scale residential, mixed-use or master-planned developments.Strong expertise in development feasibility, project appraisals and front-end development.Excellent understanding of the full development lifecycle.Experience managing multidisciplinary design consultants.Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Previous UAE or GCC developer experience is essential.What's on OfferOpportunity to join one of Abu Dhabi's leading developers.Exposure to high-profile and complex development projects.Long-term career progression within a growing organisation.Collaborative, high-performing and design-focused development team.Competitive salary and benefits package.If you're an experienced development professional with a passion for creating exceptional developments and a strong background in feasibility and design management, we'd love to hear from you.