Job Title: Director, Development Operations
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Reports To: Executive Director
About the Role:
We are recruiting on behalf of a confidential client, a prominent organization involved in a significant large-scale development in the Middle East. Our client is looking for an experienced Director, Development Operations to lead and oversee the operational aspects of high-profile development projects. This role will be instrumental in ensuring the successful execution and delivery of projects by driving efficiency, improving processes, and coordinating across diverse teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the operational functions of development projects, setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with broader project objectives and timelines.
- Operational Excellence: Develop and implement processes to optimize the development cycle, from initial planning through to project completion, ensuring seamless execution and continuous improvement.
- Resource Allocation: Oversee the allocation of resources across multiple projects, ensuring effective management of manpower, materials, and equipment to meet project demands.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster close collaboration between development, design, construction, finance, and legal teams, ensuring smooth project integration and alignment with strategic goals.
- Risk and Issue Management: Lead the development of comprehensive risk management plans to proactively address operational challenges, minimizing disruptions and ensuring project continuity.
- Budget and Timeline Management: Work with senior leadership and project management teams to monitor budgets, schedules, and overall performance, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Stakeholder Reporting: Provide high-level reporting to executive leadership, outlining key milestones, project risks, operational achievements, and opportunities for process improvements.
- Governance and Compliance: Ensure all development operations comply with regulatory standards, safety guidelines, and corporate governance requirements, maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certifications (PMP, Six Sigma, LEED) is highly desirable.
- Experience: A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in development operations, project management, or construction management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in large-scale development projects, particularly in hospitality, real estate, or mixed-use developments, is essential.
Skills:
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- Strong leadership and strategic management skills with a proven track record in overseeing the delivery of complex, high-value development projects.
- Expertise in operational efficiency, resource allocation, and process optimization.
- Advanced project management skills, including proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project).
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with Middle East development practices and regulations is a plus.
Benefits:
- Attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Relocation assistance
- Medical and health insurance
- Return flights to point of origin
- Education allowance for dependents inside the Kingdom
- Remote working and generous annual leave allowance
- Discretionary bonus
- Opportunity to work on a world-class development with exposure to the project’s ExCom
- Career growth with a leading organization in KSA.