Projects Director - Commercial Real Estate

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 14/08/2026

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

• 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.
• 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.

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