Development Director - Urban Transformation

Socotec

  • Riyadh
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 23 hours ago
  • Apply easily
Company DescriptionSOCOTEC ARABIA has been appointed as the PMO for a high-profile, confidential development program in Riyadh City. As part of the executive leadership within a 50-person PMO team. We are seeking a highly accomplished Development Director to lead and shape the strategic direction of Riyadh’s Endeavor Program. This senior executive will oversee the planning, structuring, and execution of complex development projects spanning brownfield development, residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education, and other critical infrastructure. The role requires balancing strong financial performance with long-term urban, cultural, and socio-economic impact, while working in close alignment with government stakeholders and sovereign investors.Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities:Strategic & Financial Leadership
  • Define and drive the vision, structure, and market positioning of major development assets within the program’s regeneration portfolio.
  • Lead financial modelling, business case preparation, and scenario testing to ensure projects deliver strong outcomes (NPV, IRR, revenue, capex efficiency).
  • Shape and implement pricing, market-entry, and operator strategies across multiple asset classes.
  • Translate masterplans into implementable strategies, including phasing, operator partnerships, sales/lease frameworks, and investor positioning.
Project & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Partner with PMO, governance, and legal teams to structure MoUs, PPPs, and JV arrangements with local and international developers.
  • Engage directly with senior stakeholders, government entities, sovereign wealth funds, and private investors—to align development outcomes with national objectives.
  • Facilitate strategic workshops, design reviews, and financial briefings, ensuring all outputs are cost-effective, timely, and aligned with program strategy.
Portfolio & Risk Management
  • Oversee the regeneration portfolio to balance near-term returns with long-term placemaking and socio-economic objectives.
  • Monitor market dynamics, absorption trends, and demand indicators to refine development strategy.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to design, delivery, phasing, or financial assumptions.
Leadership & Team Development
  • Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, presenting scenarios, risks, and strategic recommendations.
  • Build, mentor, and lead multidisciplinary development teams (managers, analysts, consultants, contractors).
Foster collaboration across consultants, contractors, and operators to achieve program objectives at scale.Key Skills:
  • Visionary leadership in development strategy & portfolio management.
  • Advanced financial modelling, investment analysis, and pricing strategy.
  • Development phasing, operator models, and transaction structuring.
  • Stakeholder management at the highest levels (government, global investors).
  • Risk management and performance oversight.
  • Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Strong knowledge of international best practices combined with local Saudi market expertise.QualificationsQualifications & Experience
  • 15–20+ years of international experience in large-scale real estate development, regeneration, and mixed-use projects.
  • Significant experience gained in Western markets (North America, Europe, or equivalent global hubs), bringing international best practices into the Saudi context.
  • Proven leadership in structuring and delivering at least 5 major, high-value developments.
  • Strong track record working with sovereign wealth funds.
  • Expertise in financial modelling, pricing strategy, and scenario planning.
  • Significant exposure to PPPs, JVs, and complex development deal structures.
Professional qualifications (MRICS, RICS, MBA, or equivalent) desirable.

Socotec