Senior Development Manager

About MiralAt Miral, we create extraordinary experiences that inspire millions of unforgettable memories. As the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, we are driving the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry while supporting the Emirate's tourism vision and economic diversification.Responsible for the development and destination management of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island's Destination Management Strategy, Miral's portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike.From Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™, Yas Marina, Yas Bay Waterfront, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and exciting future developments including a Disney Theme Park Resort and a Harry Potter-themed land, Miral continues to redefine destination experiences on a global scale.About the RoleWe are seeking a strategic and commercially minded Senior Manager - Development to lead the planning and delivery of complex destination, hospitality, entertainment, attraction, and mixed-use developments across Miral's growing portfolio.This role is responsible for managing projects through the full development lifecycle, from opportunity identification, feasibility, business case development, and commercial structuring through design, delivery, operational readiness, and asset handover.Working closely with internal stakeholders, government entities, operators, intellectual property partners, consultants, and delivery teams, you will play a key role in transforming strategic opportunities into world-class guest experiences that deliver long-term value for Miral.Key ResponsibilitiesPortfolio Strategy & Opportunity DevelopmentIdentify and evaluate new development opportunities through market analysis, feasibility studies, due diligence, and business case development.Assess market trends, guest demand, emerging concepts, and competitive positioning to support portfolio growth and value creation.Translate strategic priorities into clear development briefs, project requirements, and execution strategies.Support the evolution of Miral's destination portfolio through innovative and commercially viable development initiatives.End-to-End Development ManagementLead complex projects from concept through feasibility, planning, design, procurement, delivery, asset transfer, and operational handover.Manage development programmes, budgets, governance approvals, and stakeholder responsibilities.Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with approved scope, programme, quality, commercial, and guest experience objectives.Oversee consultants, advisors, contractors, and delivery partners to ensure successful project execution.Destination, Attraction & Hospitality DevelopmentSupport the development of world-class attractions, entertainment destinations, hospitality assets, and mixed-use developments.Collaborate with operators, intellectual property partners, attraction specialists, and internal teams to transform concepts into successful developments.Champion guest experience, operational efficiency, sustainability, safety, and commercial performance throughout the development lifecycle.Influence key design and development decisions to ensure projects achieve their strategic and financial objectives.Commercial & Financial ManagementLead financial appraisals, feasibility assessments, investment recommendations, forecasting, and value engineering activities.Manage commercial activities associated with development projects, including procurement, agreements, commercial negotiations, and development partnerships.Monitor project financial performance and proactively identify opportunities to improve value and mitigate risk.Support negotiations with operators, investors, strategic partners, consultants, and intellectual property holders.Governance, Risk & Executive ReportingPrepare high-quality business cases, governance submissions, investment proposals, and recommendations for executive and committee review.Maintain project controls, risk registers, mitigation strategies, and performance reporting.Provide clear and concise updates to senior leadership and ensure timely escalation of critical issues.Ensure compliance with governance requirements, company policies, and industry standards.Stakeholder & Partnership ManagementBuild trusted relationships across Development, Investment Analysis, Asset Management, Finance, Legal, Operations, Marketing, and Strategy teams.Manage relationships with operators, government entities, consultants, contractors, development partners, and external stakeholders.Facilitate informed decision-making by presenting clear options, impacts, and recommendations.Represent Miral professionally in stakeholder, authority, and partner engagements.Operational Readiness & Asset HandoverLead development-side handover activities and ensure operational readiness requirements are incorporated throughout project planning and delivery.Coordinate asset transfer activities, commissioning, documentation, training, and acceptance processes.Capture lessons learned and contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and standards across the portfolio.What We Are Looking ForBachelor's degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.10+ years of progressive development experience within large-scale destination, hospitality, entertainment, mixed-use, leisure, or attraction developments.Demonstrated experience managing projects through the full development lifecycle, from feasibility and business case development through delivery and operational handover.Strong client-side or developer-side experience with accountability for scope, budget, programme, commercial outcomes, and risk management.Proven commercial and financial acumen, including development appraisals, investment analysis, financial modelling, forecasting, and value engineering.Experience working with operators, strategic partners, investors, consultants, government entities, and intellectual property holders.Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and executive communication skills.Experience preparing and presenting business cases, governance submissions, and investment recommendations to executive stakeholders.Experience within theme parks, attractions, entertainment destinations, hospitality, or destination development environments is highly desirable.Professional certifications such as MRICS, PMP, CFA, or equivalent are advantageous.Fluency in English is required. Arabic language capability is an advantage.Why Join Miral?Join a team responsible for shaping some of the region's most exciting destination developments and immersive experiences.At Miral, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects, collaborate with world-class partners, influence major investment decisions, and help create the next generation of iconic attractions, hospitality destinations, and entertainment experiences that inspire millions of guests around the world.✨ If you're passionate about development, strategy, commercial value creation, and bringing ambitious destination concepts to life, we'd love to hear from you. ✨