Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director - Relocations

Job Overview

The Executive Director will strategically and operationally lead a diverse portfolio of major construction and real estate projects, including high-rise residential towers, luxury hotels, mixed-use developments, commercial properties, and landmark ventures. This leadership role focuses on ensuring project execution excellence by delivering safe, timely, cost-effective, and high-quality results, aligning with corporate goals and promoting business growth.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement business plans that support corporate objectives and growth across the Middle East.
• Direct and manage a broad range of property developments including hospitality, residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
• Drive operational efficiencies, enhance organizational performance, and support sustainable business expansion.
• Oversee comprehensive project management from initial design through construction completion and handover, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and quality standards.
• Monitor project risks, financial targets, and deliverables while coordinating master planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead commercial aspects such as budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and governance for large-scale developments.
• Approve key contracts, procurement strategies, and focus on value engineering to maximize profitability.
• Maintain strong financial oversight and reporting processes.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with investors, clients, regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, and operators.
• Represent the organization in senior meetings, negotiations, and strategic alliances.
• Foster effective communication and stakeholder alignment throughout projects.
• Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams spanning project, commercial, technical, and operational disciplines.
• Implement governance frameworks, project controls, and performance reporting systems.
• Promote a culture centered on safety, quality, integrity, and accountability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
• Advanced qualifications such as an MBA or equivalent are highly preferred.
• Professional certifications like PMP, MRICS, CIOB, UPDA, or similar credentials are an asset.
• At least 20 years of experience in construction, real estate development, or infrastructure sectors, including a minimum of 10 years in senior executive roles like Executive Director, COO, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale projects such as high-rise towers, luxury hotels, mixed-use developments, and sizable GCC region projects.
• Extensive experience and familiarity with the Middle East and GCC construction markets are mandatory.

Core Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution expertise.
• Strong executive leadership capabilities.
• Deep understanding of real estate development and project/program management.
• Financial and commercial insight, including contract and risk management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Team leadership and talent development experience.
• Governance, compliance, and decision-making proficiency.
• Ability to spearhead business development initiatives.