Development Director - Urban Transformation

SOCOTEC Middle East

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the vision, structure, and market positioning of major development assets within the program s regeneration portfolio.
• Lead financial modelling, business case preparation, and scenario testing to ensure projects deliver strong outcomes (NPV, IRR, revenue, capex efficiency).
• Shape and implement pricing, market-entry, and operator strategies across multiple asset classes.
• Translate masterplans into implementable strategies, including phasing, operator partnerships, sales/lease frameworks, and investor positioning.

Project & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Partner with PMO, governance, and legal teams to structure MoUs, PPPs, and JV arrangements with local and international developers.
• Engage directly with senior stakeholders, government entities, sovereign wealth funds, and private investors to align development outcomes with national objectives.
• Facilitate strategic workshops, design reviews, and financial briefings, ensuring all outputs are cost-effective, timely, and aligned with program strategy.

Portfolio & Risk Management:

• Oversee the regeneration portfolio to balance near-term returns with long-term placemaking and socio-economic objectives.
• Monitor market dynamics, absorption trends, and demand indicators to refine development strategy.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to design, delivery, phasing, or financial assumptions.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, presenting scenarios, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Build, mentor, and lead multidisciplinary development teams (managers, analysts, consultants, contractors).

Foster collaboration across consultants, contractors, and operators to achieve program objectives at scale.

Key Skills:

• Visionary leadership in development strategy & portfolio management.
• Advanced financial modelling, investment analysis, and pricing strategy.
• Development phasing, operator models, and transaction structuring.
• Stakeholder management at the highest levels (government, global investors).
• Risk management and performance oversight.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.