Director - Development

About Us

DMCC is a government entity established in 2002 to enhance commodity trade flows through Dubai. We perform a range of roles which continue to position Dubai as the preferred destination for global commodities trade and DMCC as the world’s No.1 Free Zone.

Company Profile:

DMCC is a center of global trade. Headquartered in Dubai, DMCC is the world’s most interconnected Free Zone, home to over 25,000 member companies and the leading trade and enterprise hub for commodities. Whether developing vibrant neighborhoods with world-class property like Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai or delivering high-performance business services, DMCC provides everything its dynamic community needs to live, work, and thrive. Made for Trade, DMCC is proud to sustain and grow Dubai’s position as the place to be for global trade today and long into the future.

Role Summary:

Responsible for leading and overseeing DMCC’s development portfolio across multiple asset classes and strategic projects. The Director - Development will drive the delivery of large-scale and complex developments, ensuring projects meet DMCC’s commercial, design, and sustainability objectives from concept through to handover. The role provides leadership to the development team and acts as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director – Development in shaping and executing the company’s long-term real estate vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direction and oversight across all DMCC development projects from concept design through to handover, ensuring alignment with strategic, commercial, and sustainability objectives.
• Support the Executive Director in shaping the long-term real estate vision, acting as deputy where required.
• Lead the design process from master planning through detailed design. Manage design consultants and ensure quality, functionality, and value-for-money outcomes. Provide oversight of design changes during construction in coordination with the Delivery Department.
• Coordinate with Delivery to ensure smooth transition from design to construction. Monitor design compliance and support Delivery in resolving design-related issues during execution.
• Oversee feasibility studies, business cases, and investment appraisals. Ensure commercially viable outcomes and strong governance across budgets, contracts, and procurement.
• Lead senior-level negotiations and maintain strong relationships with government bodies, JV partners, operators, and investors. Secure timely approvals and buy-in.
• Direct delivery of complex mixed-use and iconic projects. Ensure project schedules, budgets, and quality standards are achieved.
• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and opportunities across the portfolio, implementing mitigation measures.
• Champion world-class design, ESG principles, and innovative technologies in all developments.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team. Ensure clear accountability, training, and continuous improvement.
• Represent DMCC at senior forums, industry events, and with key stakeholders to promote DMCC’s brand and projects.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Architecture, Design
• Postgraduate qualification or MBA preferred
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in real estate development, including large-scale, mixed-use and iconic projects
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role with accountability for multi-million AED project portfolios
• Extensive international as well as GCC/Middle East experience with strong understanding of global and regional market and regulatory environments

The successful candidate will enjoy the following:

• Working at the world’s best Free Zone with highly motivated colleagues
• A very diverse workforce from all around the globe
• Well-being initiatives all over the year
• Market competitive basic salary
• Housing allowance
• Transportation allowance
• National Allowance
• Annual flight allowance
• Other alternative family benefits
• Pension Scheme
• Discretionary bonus schemes
• Generous annual leave
• Medical and life insurance cover
• Free covered parking
• Retail discounts with over 450 outlets across JLT.