Director of Development

About the Role

People Group Arabia is supporting a major developer in the appointment of a Director of Development. This full-time senior leadership position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and involves leading the delivery of a high-profile luxury hospitality development from concept through to completion.

Project Focus and Scope

The successful candidate will be instrumental in delivering luxury hotels and resorts as part of a unique destination development. This role places significant emphasis on ensuring exceptional design quality, luxury hospitality standards, and effective placemaking throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of luxury hospitality developments from feasibility and concept design through construction, handover, and opening.
• Manage international hotel operators, architects, consultants, and contractors.
• Oversee complex, design-led hospitality projects.
• Ensure adherence to luxury hospitality design standards and guest experience principles.

Required Experience

Candidates should possess over 10 years of extensive experience in luxury hotel and resort development. This includes a proven track record of delivering projects across the full development lifecycle, from initial concept to completion and opening.

• Extensive luxury hotel and resort development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects from concept design through construction, handover, and opening.
• Experience delivering island, coastal, or destination resorts is highly desirable.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong background in architecture, design, or design management.
• Profound understanding of luxury hospitality design standards and guest experience.
• Experience in the Middle East is beneficial.

Work Environment

This is a full-time senior leadership position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering the opportunity to work with a major developer on significant luxury hospitality projects.