Associate Director of Development

About Ascentis

Ascentis is a global engineering and project management consultancy specializing in hospitality and commercial real estate developments throughout South Asia and East Africa. Established in 2007, the company partners with leading developers and hotel operators to deliver high-quality, complex projects. Its success is rooted in clear decision-making, strong leadership, and a collaborative, people-focused philosophy.

Role Overview

The Associate Director – Development will oversee multiple real estate development projects from initial feasibility through design, procurement, and construction phases. This senior leadership role requires adept stakeholder management, commercial insight, and practical experience with large-scale project delivery. The individual will lead multidisciplinary teams, advocate for client interests, and ensure projects meet timeline, budget, and quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead creation of master project schedules, budgets, and procurement plans.
• Align project baselines with client requirements and expectations.
• Track progress and manage change controls for project variations.
• Oversee preparation of RFPs, shortlist consultants, manage bidding, awarding, and contract issuance for both local and international consultants.
• Manage all design-related activities ensuring alignment with project briefs and schedules through coordination, reviews, approvals, and controlling changes.
• Handle contract administration and control scope creep related to design activities.
• Coordinate with clients and operators to support timely decisions and maintain effective document control.
• Lead Quantity Surveyor teams in budgeting at different design stages and monitor costs through design, procurement, and construction stages, driving cost-saving strategies such as value engineering.
• Manage tender processes including contractor prequalification, tender documentation, BOQ preparation, tender awards consistent with approved costs and schedules, along with handling claims and change orders.
• Oversee procurement of MEP systems, facility equipment, FF&E, and OS&E, coordinating with design teams and clients to optimize value and ensure timely orders.
• Coordinate with Regional Director to monitor construction site execution ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
• Set sustainability objectives focused on carbon reduction, appoint and manage sustainability consultants, and promote sustainable practices across all project stages.
• Lead reporting activities including fortnightly and monthly reports, chair client review meetings, and serve as the main client and operator contact.
• Support HR in recruiting and placing project teams, monitor team performance and service quality, manage billing and payment collections with finance, and provide coaching, mentoring, and training to project and site teams.
• Implement and oversee internal processes to enhance project delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering (BE/BTech).
• Postgraduate qualification in Construction Management or PMP certification preferred.
• 15 to 20 years of direct experience in building construction industries with leadership roles on large projects from start to finish.
• Experience acting as an Owner’s Representative or Project Management Consultant (PMC).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Detail-oriented and process-driven approach.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Established rapport with design professionals and consultants.
• Advanced expertise in planning, including schedule baselining and tracking.
• Solid knowledge of contract administration, preferably under FIDIC or equivalent international standards.
• Thorough understanding of construction methods and quality management across multiple trades.
• Ability to work independently while leading high-performing teams.
• Proficient written English with strong reporting skills.

Diversity & Inclusion

Ascentis is committed to equal opportunity employment valuing diversity, integrity, and professionalism. Hiring decisions are merit-based to build an inclusive and respectful work environment welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds.