cygnify - Development Director (Hospitality Projects)
Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. • Master’s Degree or MBA is preferred. • Minimum 12–15 years of experience in real estate development, with significant exposure to hospitality developments within the UAE/GCC. • Proven track record delivering hospitality projects such as hotels, resorts, branded residences, or mixed-use destinations. • Strong understanding of hospitality operations, hotel management agreements, and development economics. • Experience working with international hotel operators and luxury hospitality brands is essential.
Responsibilities
• Development & Project Leadership • Lead hospitality development projects from concept through design, construction, pre-opening, and handover. • Manage the full project development cycle including feasibility studies, business planning, budgeting, design coordination, authority approvals, procurement strategy, and execution oversight. • Ensure hospitality projects align with RAK Properties’ strategic vision, financial targets, and brand positioning. • Hospitality Strategy • Develop and implement hospitality development strategies in line with Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth objectives. • Identify opportunities for hotels, branded residences, resorts, waterfront destinations, and mixed-use hospitality developments. • Conduct market research and benchmarking to assess trends, demand, and competitive positioning. • Operator & Brand Management • Lead negotiations and coordination with international hotel operators, hospitality brands, and consultants. • Oversee operator selection processes, management agreements, technical services agreements, and branding strategies. • Ensure operator requirements are integrated efficiently into project design and development plans. • Financial & Commercial Oversight • Review and evaluate project feasibility studies, development appraisals, and investment models. • Monitor project budgets, timelines, risks, and commercial performance. • Collaborate with finance, asset management, sales, and investment teams to maximize project value and ROI. • Design & Technical Coordination • Oversee master planning, architectural design, and hospitality concept development. • Coordinate with consultants, contractors, operators, and internal stakeholders to ensure project quality and compliance. • Ensure projects meet luxury hospitality standards, operational efficiency, and guest experience expectations. • Stakeholder Management • Liaise with government authorities, tourism entities, consultants, investors, and joint venture partners. • Present project updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and board members. • Build and maintain strong relationships with key hospitality industry stakeholders. • Team Leadership • Lead and mentor development teams and external consultants. • Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and delivery excellence.
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