Development Manager
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About the Role
Job Title Development Manager Reporting To Executive Vice President of Development Management Role Purpose The Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the end\-to\-end development and project execution of hospitality assets, including new developments, renovations and pre\-opening activities, with a strong focus on engineering, operational readiness and F\&B integration. This role ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within bu
Key Skills for This Role
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Role Purpose
The Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end development and project execution of hospitality assets, including new developments, renovations and pre-opening activities, with a strong focus on engineering, operational readiness and F&B integration.
This role ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned with brand standards and operational requirements, while maximizing long-term asset value.
The position bridges development, operations and commercial teams, ensuring that assets are not only well-built but also operationally efficient and revenue-generating from day one.
1. Project Development & Execution
- Manage the full lifecycle of projects including new builds, refurbishments, and conversions
- Coordinate all phases from concept design, planning, construction, and handover
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with approved timelines, budgets, and quality standards
- Work closely with consultants, contractors, and internal teams to drive execution
2. Engineering & Technical Oversight
- Lead all technical and engineering aspects of projects (MEP, HVAC, fire & life safety, building systems)
- Review and approve design drawings, technical specifications, and contractor submissions
- Ensure solutions are efficient, maintainable, and aligned with operational needs
- Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize CAPEX and lifecycle costs
3. Renovations & Asset Enhancement
- Plan and execute hotel renovations, upgrades, and repositioning projects
- Minimize operational disruption during renovation works
- Ensure alignment with brand standards and asset strategy
4. Pre-Opening & Operational Readiness
- Lead and support pre-opening activities from a development and technical perspective
- Ensure all systems, facilities, and back-of-house areas are fully operational and tested
- Coordinate with operations teams on:
- SOP readiness
- Staff facilities
- Engineering handover
- Support timelines for soft opening and full operational launch
5. F&B Development & Concept Execution
- Support development and execution of F&B concepts, layouts and kitchen designs
- Ensure back-of-house and front-of-house flows are efficient and operationally practical
- Coordinate with chefs, operators, and designers on kitchen equipment and layouts
- Support pre-opening of F&B outlets, ensuring readiness and compliance
6. Budgeting, CAPEX & Cost Control
- Prepare and manage development budgets and CAPEX plans
- Monitor project costs and track budget vs actual spend
- Work with Finance and Quantity Surveyors to ensure cost discipline
- Identify savings through design optimization and procurement strategies
7. Stakeholder & Operator Coordination
- Act as the key liaison between:
- Development team
- Operations and F&B teams
- External consultants and contractors
• Ownership And Asset Management
- Ensure operator requirements are fully integrated into project delivery
- Provide regular updates on progress, risks, and mitigation plans
8. Compliance, Quality & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, authority approvals, and safety standards
- Maintain strict quality control across all project stages
- Identify and mitigate construction, operational, and technical risks
- Ensure smooth approvals and inspections from relevant authorities
Key Performance Indicators (Kpis)
- Project delivery within approved timeline and budget
- CAPEX optimization and cost savings achieved
- Quality of execution and minimal post-opening defects
- Timely and successful pre-opening and launch readiness
- Efficiency and performance of building systems
- Operational and F&B readiness at opening
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
- 7–12+ UAE years of experience in:
- Hospitality development
- Engineering project management
- Hotel renovations and pre-openings
- Strong experience with hotel projects, F&B outlets, or mixed-use developments
- Familiarity with MEP systems, construction processes, and operational requirements
- Experience working with hotel operators and brand standards preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical and project management capability
- Knowledge of hospitality operations and F&B requirements
- Financial awareness (CAPEX, budgeting, ROI considerations)
- Excellent coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Personal Attributes
- Practical, hands-on, and solutions-oriented
- Detail-driven with strong quality focus
- Commercially aware and results-driven
- Able to perform under pressure and tight timelines
- Collaborative and proactive
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