Our client is a leading Saudi developer delivering one of Riyadh's most significant residential-led masterplans. The development spans thousands of residential units alongside supporting retail, community, and amenity assets, and forms part of the Kingdom's wider housing and urban growth agenda under Vision 2030.
They are appointing a Development Director to take full ownership of the residential asset class from concept through to handover. This is a senior leadership role accountable for the commercial, design, and delivery performance of the residential portfolio, working closely with executive leadership, consultants, contractors, and government stakeholders.
Strategy & Feasibility
- Define the development strategy and phasing plan for the residential assets in line with the overall masterplan vision and commercial targets
- Lead feasibility studies, highest-and-best-use analysis, and development appraisals to optimise product mix, density, and returns
- Input into land use planning, plot release strategy, and product positioning alongside the masterplanning and commercial teams
Design & Technical Managemen
- Own the design management process across all residential components, from concept and schematic design through to detailed design and tender
- Appoint, brief, and manage lead consultants, architects, and specialist designers; review deliverables for compliance, buildability, and value
- Ensure designs meet regulatory, authority, and Saudi Building Code requirements as well as the client's quality and brand standards
Delivery & Programme
- Drive delivery of the residential phases on time and on budget, holding consultants and contractors accountable to programme and quality milestones
- Oversee procurement and tendering of contractors, and manage the interface between design, construction, and handover teams
- Identify and mitigate development, programme, and commercial risks, escalating to executive leadership where required
Commercial & Financial
- Own the development budget and cashflow for the residential portfolio, working with cost and commercial teams to control spend and protect margin
- Track development performance against the business plan and report on cost, programme, and value to the Chief Development Officer and board
- Support the sales and marketing strategy by ensuring product is positioned and delivered to meet market demand
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Act as the senior point of contact for residential development across internal and external stakeholders, including authorities and government entities
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing development team as the portfolio scales
- Represent the development professionally with consultants, contractors, partners, and regulators
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Candidate Profile
- 15+ years experience in real estate development, with a strong track record delivering large-scale residential or mixed-use scheme
- Demonstrable experience leading the full development lifecycle from feasibility and design through to construction and handover
- Masterplan or giga-project experience strongly preferred; GCC delivery experience essential, with Saudi Arabia experience a clear advantage
- Proven commercial acumen, comfortable owning development appraisals, budgets, and cashflow, and reporting to executive level
- Strong consultant and contractor management skills, with the gravitas to lead senior external team
- Knowledge of Saudi regulatory frameworks, authorities, and the local delivery environment is highly desirable
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate, or a related discipline; relevant postgraduate qualification or chartership (RICS, RIBA, or equivalent) advantageous
