VP Development (Residential)

About the Role

The Management Recruitment Group (MRG) is working with an international real estate developer to appoint a VP Development (Residential). This full-time, senior leadership position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is critical to supporting the growth of the company's Saudi Arabian development platform. The role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of large-scale, master-planned residential communities within a significant portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the visioning, feasibility, and masterplanning for major residential developments.
• Manage projects across the entire development lifecycle, from land due diligence and concept development through to delivery and handover.
• Develop and assess project business cases, financial models, phasing strategies, and investment returns.
• Direct the development process required to bring residential projects to market in Saudi Arabia.
• Navigate Saudi regulatory requirements governing real estate development and off-plan residential sales.
• Operate within the WAFI regulatory framework, including requirements for project licensing, sales launch, escrow arrangements, and delivery.
• Coordinate with investment, design, finance, legal, sales, marketing, and operations teams.
• Drive permitting, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure coordination.
• Ensure developments meet local customer demand and provide strong residential and community propositions.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

This role requires an experienced development professional with a strong track record in large-scale residential and mixed-use communities, specifically within Saudi Arabia. Candidates must have over 10 years of relevant experience.

• Recent, relevant development experience in Saudi Arabia is essential. Candidates whose experience is primarily in the UAE or other regional markets without recent Saudi development exposure will not be considered.
• Direct hands-on experience developing residential or mixed-use projects in Saudi Arabia.
• Working knowledge of WAFI and the Saudi regulatory framework governing off-plan residential development and sales.
• Experience guiding Saudi residential developments through the necessary approvals and regulatory processes to reach the market.
• Strong knowledge of the Saudi real estate market, including local development practices, authorities, regulatory constraints, and customer dynamics.
• Significant experience leading large-scale master-planned or community developments.
• Genuine end-to-end development experience, not solely focused on project delivery, construction, or design management.
• A degree in real estate, urban planning, engineering, or a related discipline; relevant postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.

Ideal Background

This position is suitable for professionals currently operating at an Executive Director, Vice President, CDO, or equivalent level within a major Saudi master developer, residential developer, or integrated mixed-use development business.

Location

The position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Application Process

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Matt Donovan at MRG Global.