Projects Director - Commercial Real Estate

Black & Grey HR is partnering with a Commercial Real Estate company based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE. our client is seeking to hire an experienced Projects Director to oversee all design and construction work-streams for both new developments and existing asset enhancements. Lead the Development & Projects department to manage end-to-end project activities, establishing best-in-class benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and service delivery. Ensure that every project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals, brand identity, and operational specifications. Key Responsibilities Strategy Development & Planning - Serve as a key member of the executive management team, actively contributing to the organization’s vision, strategy, and long-term objectives to maximize short-, medium-, and long-term profitability. - Partner with the CEO to formulate and direct the departmental strategy, ensuring full alignment with the corporate mission and objectives. - Translate overall business strategy into annual operational plans and targets for the department, monitoring performance to ensure goals are met. Project Design & Development Management - Lead internal design specialists and external consultants to embed strategic vision and operational flexibility into facility designs, ensuring all projects reflect the brand’s identity and functional needs. - Review and validate design plans and blueprints, enforcing compliance with regulatory standards and internal specifications to maintain brand consistency across all assets. - Facilitate collaborative workshops to translate operational, customer-service, and market insights into the design and construction process, ensuring the relevance and functionality of new or refurbished properties. Contractor Performance & Compliance - Set clear project timelines, budgetary constraints, and quality expectations, monitoring contractor performance to ensure delivery in accordance with organizational standards. - Enforce compliance with local laws, international standards, and industry best practices through regular audits and reviews, upholding integrity across all project activities. - Implement structured performance-review processes for project partners to drive a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in asset delivery. Budgeting & Financial Performance - Direct the preparation and consolidation of the departmental budget, monitoring financial performance against projections to identify risks, control costs, and capitalize on opportunities for improved efficiency. People Management & Team Development - Provide strategic leadership to the department, setting individual objectives, managing performance, and motivating the team to maximize their contribution. - Collaborate with fellow management colleagues to align efforts across the organization, ensuring cohesive progress toward shared strategic goals. - Mentor, coach, and challenge direct reports, fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and career development. Corporate Stewardship - Ensure all activities and team outputs are conducted in the best interests of the organization. - Proactively support cross-functional colleagues in achieving their objectives, contributing to a collaborative and integrated working culture. - Anticipate risks and identify wider opportunities and threats, using data-driven insights to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement. - Contribute to business planning and reporting processes, leveraging agreed systems to enhance efficiency and transparency. Leadership & Organizational Influence - Provide technical leadership and direction to the Development & Projects team, encouraging controlled innovation in processes, technology, and ways of working. - Drive the adoption of Agile and Lean methodologies across the organization to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency. - Empower and model a positive, resilient mindset for the team, maintaining confidence in the long-term outlook of the property portfolio despite market challenges. - Set clear expectations, delegate effectively, and provide constructive feedback to maximize team performance and innovation. - Serve as a member of the CEO’s weekly management committee, alongside leaders from Marketing, Leasing, Fit-out, Operations, and Facilities Management. - Play an integral role in the design and redesign of retail centres, ensuring new units and spaces are based on actual market demand and leasability. - Champion organizational values and behaviours internally and externally, contributing to leadership boards and staying informed about internal and external developments. - Support the implementation of the property management system as required. Policies, Systems, Processes & Change Management - Direct the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, procedures, and controls to ensure all legislative and procedural requirements are met while delivering consistent, cost-effective, high-quality service. - Lead change management initiatives by continuously improving systems and practices, benchmarking against global standards and adapting to shifts in the business environment. Requirements Education - Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited university. - A specialized Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is strongly preferred. - Professional certification (e.g., PMP or equivalent) is highly regarded. Experience - Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in design and construction management within a fast-paced, dynamic environment (GCC experience preferred). - Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects in the retail or real estate development sector. - Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiations and relationship management, including contract negotiations and performance evaluations. - History of applying forward-looking strategic, managerial, and operational methodologies, including the use of cutting-edge technologies. - Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant governing bodies, regulatory committees, and legal frameworks within the UAE. Benefits - Attractive package