Director Project Development EMEA

Position Overview

The Director of Project Development EMEA reports into the Regional Director of Project Development EMEA.

The candidate will have the responsibility of delivering Ultra Luxury Developments and Resorts under the Aman umbrella, from inception through to completion and handover. Working closely with the Aman technical services team to support the implementation of Aman’s standards and brand objectives.

Together with the Director of Project Development you will define the best suitable delivery strategy for the projects and be responsible for the implementation of same within the constraints of budget, programme and design briefs.

The role will be based in our Dubai office, but with a global development pipeline some travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for overall project development from inception through to completion.
• Together with the Regional Director of Project Development EMEA, define the overall project delivery strategy within the context of Design Brief, Budget, Program and Sales & Marketing Strategy.
• Work closely with the Aman Technical Services team who are responsible for the design briefs and reviews on behalf of Aman.
• Define scope and brief for the external appointed Project Managers and procure the same.
• Together with the appointed Project Manager (or in some cases without the PM) you will be responsible for procurement and appointment of the professional team of architects, engineers and specialist consultants. Review and approve scope of services, T&Cs, RFPs, Fees and signing of appointments.
• Together with the appointed Project Manager, oversee and direct the progress of the design and performance of consultants. This will be together with the Aman TSA team who will provide design input and approvals.
• Agree, together with the Project Manager and Cost Consultant, the best procurement strategy for the project.
• Oversee and direct the procurement. Review and approve RFPs, attend tender interviews and provide approval of chosen contractors. If necessary, engage in direct negotiations with contractors.
• Review and provide recommendations on Appointment and contracts T&Cs. Legal support is available but it is expected that you have sufficient experience and knowledge to take your own view and make recommendations on same.
• Write all necessary recommendations to the project board or senior management to obtain any specific approvals and sign-off.
• Manage the procurement of any direct contracts and supplies by the client.
• Responsible for all commercial aspects of the projects and reporting of same.
• Own the overall development budget and oversee payments and accounts to make sure everything is in accordance with signed appointments and contracts.
• Monitor cashflows and provide forecast and input to finance for the P&L model.
• Oversee the commercial performance of the project and direct the project team to ensure the project is delivered within budget. Mange value engineering process if required.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships & communication with Owners, JV partners, Development Consultants, Brand and Operational leaders.
• Deliver projects on schedule, within budget and to the quality standards required by Aman.
• Develop project schedules, track and review construction documents.
• Assist activities in the early formulation and feasibility stages of a project.
• Work closely with QA and QS teams through detailed budgets, and VE exercises.
• Lead procurement agents through tender approval and factory visits to ensure design and quality of all FFE, including furniture, decorative lighting, and carpets.
• Drive quality control procedures, their implementation and quality assurance mechanisms to assure compliance.
• Prepare monthly (and ad-hoc) reports on project progress.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in project or construction management.
• Experience from similar roles with luxury hospitality and residential developments, although candidate can come from a consultancy or contractor background.
• Relevant University degree in construction management, Project management, engineering or similar.
• Essential to have proven experience in managing a team of consultants, in-depth understanding of how a project is scoped out and procurement of same.
• Commercial acumen to independently run a project and manage CAPEX.
• Understanding of a project P&L is ideal but not essential.
• Fluent in English (further languages desirable)
• Strong teamwork notion, ability to correlate responsibilities and assist other team members for a successful delivery.
• Competent presentation skills as role will require interface with senior management.
• Strong work ethic and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to run a day-to-day management of multi-national professional teams across multiple projects running concurrently.
• Strong reputation for performance, based on best practices outcomes and realistic expectations of economic returns.
• Able to develop strategies and focus on enhancing performance of consultant and contractors.
• Willing and able to travel as projects are based globally
• An excellent communicator with the ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, time sensitive environments.