Warehouse Director of Projects & Development - Self-Storage

Overview

Director of Projects & Development - Self-Storage Facilities

We're looking for an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Director of Projects & Development to lead the expansion of our self-storage facility portfolio across Dubai and the UAE. This senior leadership role will oversee every stage - from site acquisition and design to construction and operational handover - ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to world-class quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and real estate development experience, with a strong understanding of UAE regulations and market dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Design: Define project scope, layout, and design standards; manage consultants and architects; secure permits and approvals.
• Construction & Delivery Oversight: Lead contractors and vendors, monitor project progress, manage risks, budgets, and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations.
• Oversee project budgets, ROI tracking, financial modelling, and investor/funding coordination.
• Stakeholder Management: Report regularly to senior leadership; maintain relationships with local authorities, utilities, and external partners.
• Operational Readiness: Ensure facilities are fully functional and compliant before handover to operations; manage commissioning and warranties.
• Identify new site opportunities, track market trends, and drive portfolio expansion.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing project and engineering team; foster a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation.

Qualifications & Skills

Must-Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Real Estate Development.
• 10-15+ years of experience in real estate development or project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (preferably in the UAE/GCC).
• Strong knowledge of local regulations, permitting, and building codes.
• Proven track record in delivering multi-site development projects on time and within budget.
• Strong financial, commercial, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and software.

Nice to Have:

• Master's/MBA or PMP certification.
• Experience in self-storage, logistics, or industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with green building practices, automation, or IoT technologies.
• Established network of UAE-based contractors and consultants.
• Multilingual (English + Arabic advantageous).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project delivery timelines and cost efficiency.
• ROI and yield per project.
• Budget variance and cost control.
• Quality and HSE compliance.
• New site acquisitions vs. annual plan.