Development Manager, UAE

Job Title: Development Manager

Location: Dubai, UAE
Department: Commercial, Infrastructure
Type: Permanent full time

About Us:

Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.

Our business is split into two key areas:

• Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
• Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.

The Role:

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Development Manager to join our expanding office in Dubai with a focus on the Middle East and EMEA.

The role is extremely varied; from early feasibility and site selection, defining the project budget, assembling and managing design teams, achieving regulatory approvals, overseeing contractor procurement and appointment, value engineering, managing the delivery team and bringing developments into operational readiness.

Based in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, the role may involve domestic and international travel, especially within the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for development projects from inception to completion
• Prepare and manage business plans and budgets
• Establish development programmes in line with rollout targets
• Undertake site feasibility assessments and identify surveys that need to be completed
• Coordinate internal teams (e.g, tech/electrification) for their input in design
• Select, appoint, and manage professional teams
• Manage planning applications and procurement of required consents
• Manage design processes, ensuring value maximization, budget, and programme control
• Manage construction, ensuring value maximization, budget, and programme control
• Monitor and mitigate project risks and delays proactively
• Oversee the snagging process until practical completion is achieved
• Assist internal teams to achieve full operational readiness
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, and environmental regulations
• Monitor and report on all financial aspects of projects
• Report to Development Lead

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development or a related field. Ideally RICS/CEng/Prince with 4 + years PQE
• Experience working as a Development Manager/Quantity Surveyor
• Experience of working with RIBA processes & plans
• Project experience at multiple project phases
• Strategic thinker with an ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge and experience of all the main project management concepts, tools, and techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excel proficiency is a core requirement
• A highly motivated, proactive, self-starter and team-player who likes a challenge and has the ingenuity and resilience to find the solutions to overcome them
• Ability to quickly master complex, technical issues
• A strong interest in aviation and advanced air mobility
• Being comfortable navigating through ambiguity, as this is a new industry, and no one yet has all the answers
• Embraces opportunities to learn new skills and take on new tasks whenever they arise
• Flexibility to travel

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about the future of air mobility and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.