Commercial Director – Branded Residences Development
Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Overview
Our client is a leading real estate developer delivering a high-profile luxury branded waterfront residences project in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The development combines world-class hospitality standards with premium residential living and represents a flagship project within the region.
Role Overview
The Commercial Director will lead all commercial, contractual, and cost management activities across the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction through to handover. The role requires extensive experience in luxury residential and hospitality developments, with a strong understanding of branded residences and hospitality operator requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and implement the overall commercial strategy for the project
- Manage procurement of consultants, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers
- Prepare, negotiate, and administer all project contracts and commercial agreements
- Oversee project budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and financial reporting
- Manage valuations, payment certifications, variations, claims, and final accounts
- Implement effective cost control and value engineering initiatives
- Lead tender processes including bid evaluation and commercial recommendations
- Manage commercial risk, contractual compliance, and dispute resolution
- Interface closely with design, project management, construction teams, and hospitality operators
- Oversee FF&E and OS&E commercial and procurement matters
- Lead, mentor, and develop commercial and quantity surveying teams
- Provide regular commercial reports and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline
- Minimum 15 years commercial management experience in UAE or GCC real estate developments
- Proven track record on luxury residential, hospitality, or branded residences projects
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts (FIDIC, JCT, or similar)
- Experience managing large-scale project budgets in excess of AED 500 million
- In-depth understanding of UAE construction market, procurement practices, and contractual frameworks
- Excellent financial, commercial, and negotiation skills
- Fluency in English (written and verbal)
Highly Preferred
- MRICS / RICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor or Master's degree
- Experience with Fairmont or comparable luxury hospitality brands
- Waterfront or island development experience
- Strong understanding of hospitality FF&E and OS&E procurement
- Arabic language skills
What We Offer
- Senior leadership role on a landmark luxury branded residences project
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Strategic position with significant influence on project delivery
- Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities
- Collaborative and high-performance working environment
