Executive Director of Development

A premier real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seeking a visionary and commercially astute Executive Director – Development to lead its flagship portfolio of luxury high-rise and large-scale mixed-use developments.

With a growing presence across the Kingdom and a mandate aligned with Vision 2030, this role offers the rare opportunity to oversee some of the region’s most architecturally ambitious and strategically significant projects — shaping vibrant, future-ready communities on a global scale.

Role Purpose

As Executive Director – Development, you will serve as the strategic and operational lead across all phases of development — from concept and feasibility through to delivery, commercialisation, and final handover. You will be responsible for setting the development vision, driving execution, and ensuring every project meets international benchmarks for quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

Define the long-term development roadmap across multiple iconic assets, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market trends, and urban growth priorities.

Lead the creation of detailed feasibility studies, development briefs, investment models, and risk scenarios.

Provide input into land acquisition strategy, portfolio prioritisation, and site activation planning.

Full Lifecycle Development Oversight

Own the full end-to-end development cycle: planning, design, permitting, procurement, delivery, and asset activation.

Manage masterplans and plot-level strategies across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality components.

Lead milestone reviews and ensure timely progression of development phases within cost, scope, and schedule parameters.

Stakeholder & Authority Engagement

Act as the primary liaison with government entities, JV partners, master planners, urban agencies, and regulatory bodies.

Represent the development vision in executive steering committees, board updates, and investor forums.

Navigate complex permitting environments and ensure proactive resolution of roadblocks.

Organizational & Team Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing internal development team across multiple projects and functions.

Champion a culture of design excellence, commercial discipline, and delivery focus.

Partner with internal divisions such as design, sales, legal, construction, finance, and operations to drive program cohesion.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

16+ years of real estate development experience, including 10+ years in executive or senior director-level roles.

Demonstrated track record in the delivery of large-scale, high-rise luxury and mixed-use developments, with individual project values exceeding SAR 5 billion.

Comprehensive understanding of the real estate development lifecycle — from land acquisition to post-handover operations.

Proven ability to engage at C-suite and board level, with experience presenting to investors and institutional stakeholders.

Deep knowledge of GCC development regulations, authorities, and planning frameworks

Preferred Background

Background in a top-tier development or investment firm with international-standard governance and delivery protocols.

Academic qualifications in Real Estate Development, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Urban Planning. An MBA or master’s in a related field is a strong advantage.

Bilingual in English and Arabic; strong preference for candidates with exposure to regional culture and local authority engagement.

Personal Qualities

Visionary and commercially grounded, with the ability to anticipate market shifts and unlock value.

Strong leadership presence with a hands-on, solution-oriented management style.

Adept at managing complexity and ambiguity in high-velocity environments.

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