Job Title: Development Director – Marine Exhibit
Company: Confidential PIF-backed giga-project
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
About our client: A visionary, PIF-backed developer. As our client continues to expand, they are seeking a highly experienced land development leader for the role of Development Director. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading the development of a key entertainment anchor asset.
Position Overview: The ideal candidate will join at a critical stage as the concept masterplan is now approved and the team move into technical design. This role involves collaboration with internal teams, government entities, and external partners to ensure the successful realization of their vision.
Main Stakeholders: Internal collaboration with Senior Development Managers, Strategy Team, Investment Team, and Asset Management Team. External engagement with industry associations, standards bodies, 3rd party consultants, professional advisors, investors, JV partners, and funders.
Background and Experience:
Minimum of 12 years of experience in real estate/urban development, preferably with a client-side organization. Experience in understanding and writing a development brief. Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Economics/Development, Urban Planning, or related field. Professional registration or accreditation with Economics, Real Estate, or Urban Design Institute.
Qualifications and Skills:
Strong understanding of real estate, from architectural concepts to finance models. In-depth knowledge of the real estate industry, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. Previous experience in developing similar entertainment assets, ideally large scale aquarium projects, aquatic research institutes or oceanariums. Ability to analyze and promote value-add opportunities, balancing risk and reward. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Proven track record of at least 15 years in land development, with experience in large-scale entertainment or resort projects being highly desirable, with a track record of projects valued over £100m.
- Exceptional project management skills with a successful history of delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of professionals.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Familiarity with Saudi Arabian regulatory processes and local construction practices is a plus.
Interested candidates are invited to apply using the link below, or by submitting their resume and cover letter to Matthew.Donovan@mrgglobal.com. Please include “Development Director – Marina Exhibit” in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.