Development Manager - Healthcare

Job description / Role

A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Development Manager - Healthcare to lead the planning and delivery of world-class healthcare real estate assets, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation, and wellness facilities.

This role will oversee projects from early feasibility through to delivery, working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to deliver complex, high-quality developments aligned with international healthcare standards and local regulatory requirements.

Role Overview

The Development Manager - Healthcare will be responsible for managing the full development lifecycle of healthcare projects, including site selection, due diligence, entitlements, design, construction, and handover. The role plays a critical part in shaping integrated, sustainable healthcare assets in partnership with leading regional and international healthcare operators.

In addition to project delivery, the position will contribute to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of new development opportunities within the healthcare real estate sector.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Project Management

* Lead and manage healthcare development projects from feasibility through construction and completion
* Support site identification and conduct detailed feasibility studies and due diligence
* Manage zoning, land use, healthcare licensing, and infrastructure approvals with relevant authorities (e.g. Department of Health, Municipality, Civil Defence)
* Ensure full compliance with UAE healthcare infrastructure codes, planning regulations, and authority requirements

Development Strategy & Briefing

* Prepare comprehensive development briefs covering project vision, scale, clinical typologies, service lines, GFA, target demographics, and operator models
* Translate healthcare strategy into actionable development programmes
* Integrate sustainability principles and international healthcare benchmarks into project planning

Design & Construction Oversight

* Lead and coordinate architects, engineers, clinical planners, and specialist consultants
* Review masterplans, space programmes, BOQs, and material specifications to ensure functionality, patient flow, infection control, and operational efficiency
* Oversee construction delivery, ensuring alignment with approved briefs, quality standards, timelines, and budgets

Commercial, Financial & Risk Management

* Prepare and manage CAPEX budgets in line with approved business plans
* Collaborate with finance and investment teams on forecasting, procurement strategies, funding structures, and operator agreements
* Monitor cost-to-completion, cash flow, and financial performance across project milestones
* Identify, assess, and mitigate development risks related to cost, programme, quality, and regulatory compliance

Stakeholder & Operator Management

* Build and maintain relationships with investors, government authorities, healthcare operators, consultants, and community stakeholders
* Lead commercial negotiations, development agreements, and coordination of operator fit-out and operational readiness
* Ensure operator requirements are fully integrated into design development and approvals

Market Intelligence & Leadership

* Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and healthcare development best practices
* Contribute to identifying new development opportunities within the healthcare sector
* Provide leadership within project teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance working environment
* Support special projects and strategic initiatives as required

Why Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to lead the delivery of high-profile healthcare developments within a well-capitalised real estate platform in Abu Dhabi, offering long-term career growth and exposure to landmark healthcare infrastructure projects.

Qualifications & Experience

* Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred)
* Minimum 10 years' experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years in the Middle East
* Proven track record delivering complex healthcare real estate projects
* Strong knowledge of UAE planning, approvals, and healthcare regulatory frameworks
* Solid understanding of real estate finance, investment analysis, budgeting, and risk management
* Experience working with healthcare operators and clinical planning teams
* Proficiency in project management tools and systems
* Knowledge of sustainable development practices is an advantage

Key Skills & Competencies

* Strong project and programme management capability
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Proven leadership and team coordination experience
* Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills
* Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions
* Adaptable and effective in fast-paced development environments
* Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are advantageous

About the Company

Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors.

We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums.

With a database of 1,000's of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.