Development Manager

Job Title

Development Manager

Reporting To

Executive Vice President of Development Management

Role Purpose

The Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end development and project execution of hospitality assets, including new developments, renovations and pre-opening activities, with a strong focus on engineering, operational readiness and F&B integration.

This role ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned with brand standards and operational requirements, while maximizing long-term asset value. The position bridges development, operations and commercial teams, ensuring that assets are not only well-built but also operationally efficient and revenue-generating from day one.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Development & Execution

• Manage the full lifecycle of projects including new builds, refurbishments, and conversions
• Coordinate all phases from concept design, planning, construction, and handover
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with approved timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Work closely with consultants, contractors, and internal teams to drive execution

2. Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Lead all technical and engineering aspects of projects (MEP, HVAC, fire & life safety, building systems)
• Review and approve design drawings, technical specifications, and contractor submissions
• Ensure solutions are efficient, maintainable, and aligned with operational needs
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize CAPEX and lifecycle costs

3. Renovations & Asset Enhancement

• Plan and execute hotel renovations, upgrades, and repositioning projects
• Minimize operational disruption during renovation works
• Ensure alignment with brand standards and asset strategy

4. Pre-Opening & Operational Readiness

• Lead and support pre-opening activities from a development and technical perspective
• Ensure all systems, facilities, and back-of-house areas are fully operational and tested
• Coordinate with operations teams on:
• SOP readiness
• Staff facilities
• Engineering handover
• Support timelines for soft opening and full operational launch

5. F&B Development & Concept Execution

• Support development and execution of F&B concepts, layouts and kitchen designs
• Ensure back-of-house and front-of-house flows are efficient and operationally practical
• Coordinate with chefs, operators, and designers on kitchen equipment and layouts
• Support pre-opening of F&B outlets, ensuring readiness and compliance

6. Budgeting, CAPEX & Cost Control

• Prepare and manage development budgets and CAPEX plans
• Monitor project costs and track budget vs actual spend
• Work with Finance and Quantity Surveyors to ensure cost discipline
• Identify savings through design optimization and procurement strategies

7. Stakeholder & Operator Coordination

• Act as the key liaison between:
• Development team
• Operations and F&B teams
• External consultants and contractors
• Ownership / Asset Management
• Ensure operator requirements are fully integrated into project delivery
• Provide regular updates on progress, risks, and mitigation plans

8. Compliance, Quality & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, authority approvals, and safety standards
• Maintain strict quality control across all project stages
• Identify and mitigate construction, operational, and technical risks
• Ensure smooth approvals and inspections from relevant authorities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project delivery within approved timeline and budget
• CAPEX optimization and cost savings achieved
• Quality of execution and minimal post-opening defects
• Timely and successful pre-opening and launch readiness
• Efficiency and performance of building systems
• Operational and F&B readiness at opening

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
• 7–12+ UAE years of experience in:
• Hospitality development
• Engineering project management
• Hotel renovations and pre-openings
• Strong experience with hotel projects, F&B outlets, or mixed-use developments
• Familiarity with MEP systems, construction processes, and operational requirements
• Experience working with hotel operators and brand standards preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical and project management capability
• Knowledge of hospitality operations and F&B requirements
• Financial awareness (CAPEX, budgeting, ROI considerations)
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder management skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Personal Attributes

• Practical, hands-on, and solutions-oriented
• Detail-driven with strong quality focus
• Commercially aware and results-driven
• Able to perform under pressure and tight timelines
• Collaborative and proactive