Job Title: Senior Development Manager (SDM)
Divison/Department: Development
Career Level: Senior Manager
Role Purpose:
The SDM will manage master planning, buildings, architecture and landscape consultants, and is expected to oversee the project delivery aspects as well in coordination with the Project Management function of the business. He/she will participate in setting development visions and strategies, conducting high level feasibilities, authoring project business plans, contributing to the technical coordination with infrastructure, authoring and managing project budgets, preparing project reporting and presentations, identifying product mixes. He/she will co-ordinate inputs of sales, marketing, property management, legal and project management as well as other internal and external stakeholders.
The SDM is expected to coordinate with Statutory Authorities, assist in securing multiple stakeholders’ agreement, prepare professional Board papers and committee presentations, obtain approvals according to strategic plans and driving the development process, as well as work closely with different teams including finance, strategy, project management and project teams.
Role Details – Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
*REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER’S TASKS
- Identify opportunities for real estate investments, initiate and lead the development of different projects from inception to completion
- Identify and define scope and strategy for real estate development for delivery of the development pipeline
- Research and prepare outline for agreed upon investment strategy including market research and gap analyses, land allocation, product(s) definition and mix, bench marking exercise for cost and revenues, development and design briefs, development budgets, life cycle cost and feasibility studies, marketing and sales strategy and legal requirements, and coordinate with team members (legal, finance, marketing, sales and PM) and issue internal proposals and business plans for mgt. and Board approvals.
- Manage project launches in coordination with Sales and marketing.
- Manage project initiation stage, prepare initial feasibility studies and work with architects, engineers, internal team (business development, marketing and sales, finance, legal) to finalize feasibilities, business plans and present to Senior Leadership.
- Lead the design and development initiatives and manage the Concept and Schematic Design stages within the parameters of project development plan, budget and local codes and coordinate with local authorities to support in obtaining approvals and permits
- Monitor and assure timely completion of project development within the established budget, schedule and required investment returns
*CORPORATE TASKS
- Act as representative for the Project
- Support with leading and coaching project teams to ensure business cases achieve Mgt. approvals
- Provide corporate reporting as requested in line with company corporate guidelines
- Assist in identifying and documenting business risks including political risk
- Manage stakeholder relationships including liaison with local authorities
- Maintain a strong network of industry contacts to ensure the company’s presence is upheld in the marketplace.
Functional/Technical Competencies:
- Architecture and/or Engineering educational background
- Good understanding of master planning, urban design, architectural, landscape and infrastructure design and project management
- Good understanding of real estate finance, feasibilities and business plans
- Good understanding of corporate governance, organizational management & leadership
- Reporting & strategic planning
- Proficient in software applications such as AutoCAD, Excel, Estate Master, MS Project, PowerPoint and others
- Strong Communication & Presentation skills
- Good negotiation skills
- Good planning, organizational and project management skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong budgeting and future planning skills
- Good understanding of software and business tools
- Good understanding of construction technology
Personal Characteristics and Required Background:
*SKILLSET
- Planning and Design skills
- Business Orientation
- People Management
- Influencing
- Self-Awareness
- Interpersonal relationship skills
- Self-motivated & able to complete tasks proficiently & independently
*MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
- 12+ years’ experience (minimum 6 years in Real Estate and demonstrated experience in master development)
- Gulf experience is a must (Dubai experience preferred)
*MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
- Undergraduate degree in architecture, planning, urban design
- Graduate degree in construction or project management. MBA is a plus