Posted
Ref: HP350-8543
Job description / Role
The CDO will lead an international portfolio, overseeing existing projects while identifying and capitalizing on new development opportunities across current and emerging markets. This is a full life cycle development role, requiring strategic leadership and operational oversight at the highest level. The CDO will drive the company's expansion strategy, manage large multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure the successful execution of high-value projects.
Client Details
Our client is a leading global real estate developer managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across the GCC, Africa, Asia, and the United States. Our clients diverse portfolio includes large-scale residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality projects, positioning the company as a key player in the international real estate sector.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead an international portfolio, overseeing existing projects while identifying and capitalizing on new development opportunities across current and emerging markets. This is a full life cycle development role, requiring strategic leadership and operational oversight at the highest level. Reporting to the Board, the CDO will drive the company's expansion strategy, manage large multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure the successful execution of high-value real estate developments.
Key Responsibilities:
• Define and implement the company's international development strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and market trends.
• Manage a diversified global real estate portfolio, overseeing all ongoing projects across multiple regions and asset classes.
• Lead projects from inception to completion, including site acquisition, feasibility studies, planning, design, financing, construction, and operational handover.
• Evaluate and pursue new development opportunities in existing and new international markets, conducting risk assessments and financial modeling.
• Engage with investors, government entities, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners to drive project approvals, funding, and execution.
• Build and lead high-performing teams across multiple locations, fostering collaboration and efficiency in project execution.
• Ensure project profitability and budgetary control, optimizing development costs, timelines, and revenue potential.
• Ensure all developments comply with local and international regulations, sustainability standards, and corporate governance frameworks.
Job Offer
• Direct influence over a multi-billion-dollar international portfolio.
• Work across high-growth markets in the GCC, Africa, Asia, and the US.
• Oversee large-scale residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality developments.
• Attractive salary, performance-based incentives, and executive benefits.
• Strategic decision-making with top stakeholders and investors.
Requirements:
• 15+ years in real estate development, with proven success in leading multi-billion-dollar projects across multiple international markets.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end real estate development, including land acquisition, design, financing, construction, and asset management.
• Strong background in mixed-use, high-rise residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality developments.
• Experience working across GCC, Africa, Asia, and the US, with insights into local regulations, market dynamics, and investment climates.
• Strong ability to structure deals, manage complex financing models, and drive commercial viability for large-scale developments.
• Track record of managing relationships with investors, government agencies, and joint venture partners.
• Experience leading large, multi-functional teams across different geographies, with a focus on strategic execution.
• Ability to communicate effectively with board members, investors, and executive leadership teams, presenting strategies and performance updates.
About the Company
Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.
The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:
Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal
The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.
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