Development Director - Villas & Townhouses - Residential

Qiddiya is seeking a Development Director to lead the planning and development of major residential projects across its growing residential portfolio.

The role will own the full development lifecycle, from feasibility, business planning and product definition through design development, procurement, construction, sales readiness and handover. The successful candidate will lead assigned developments and coordinate closely with Design, Cost Planning, Delivery, Sales, Finance and external consultants to ensure projects are commercially successful and aligned with approved business objectives.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced development leader to play a key role in shaping one of the Kingdom's most significant lifestyle destinations.

Key Responsibilities

Development Leadership

• Lead major residential projects through all stages of the development lifecycle.
• Own development business plans, feasibility studies, project strategies and key development assumptions.
• Drive the development process from concept design through project completion and handover.
• Monitor project performance against approved business plans, budgets, schedules and development objectives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and value enhancement initiatives throughout the development lifecycle.

Product & Commercial Strategy

• Lead the definition of residential products, including apartments, villas, townhouses and mixed-use residential developments.
• Ensure projects meet market demand, customer expectations and commercial objectives.
• Drive development phasing, product mix, pricing assumptions and value creation initiatives.
• Support investment decisions through clear commercial analysis and development recommendations.

Design & Planning Management

• Direct consultants throughout the design process and ensure designs align with approved development objectives.
• Coordinate master planning, architecture, engineering, infrastructure and authority approvals.
• Ensure design solutions balance quality, customer requirements, cost efficiency and operational considerations.
• Challenge design proposals and drive decisions that maximise project value and commercial performance.

Stakeholder Management

• Lead coordination with Cost Planning, Delivery, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal and Procurement teams.
• Manage relationships with external consultants, authorities, partners and sub-developers.
• Present project updates, recommendations and key decisions to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Facilitate alignment across stakeholders on major development decisions.

Governance & Reporting

• Own project governance requirements and stage-gate approvals.
• Track key project risks, opportunities and decisions throughout the development lifecycle.
• Prepare investment papers, committee submissions and executive presentations.
• Ensure projects comply with approved governance processes and reporting requirements.

What Success Looks Like

• Successfully leading residential developments through key stage-gates and approvals.
• Delivering commercially viable projects aligned with approved business plans.
• Making strong development decisions relating to product strategy, phasing, budget and project delivery.
• Building strong relationships across development, design, cost, delivery and sales functions.
• Creating high-quality residential products that enhance Qiddiya's long-term vision.
• Acting as a trusted development lead for senior stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience within a real estate developer, master developer or large-scale mixed-use development organization.
• Strong experience leading residential developments from early stages, not solely design or delivery.
• Proven experience owning feasibility studies, development business plans, development budgets and project phasing strategies.
• Exposure to the full development lifecycle from concept through delivery and handover.
• Experience managing consultants, partners and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including interaction with senior leadership.
• Ability to influence and drive development decisions across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving mindset.