Description

United Arab Emirates

JOB DESCRIPTION

About Jumeirah

Jumeirah operates a world-class portfolio of 26 properties across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, and employs over 9,000 colleagues, representing over 120 nationalities. The Group\'s portfolio also includes Jumeirah Restaurants, a Dubai-based full-service hospitality provider with acclaimed food and beverage brands, ranging from casual dining venues to Michelin starred fine dining concepts; Wild Wadi Water Park; the award-winning Talise Spa brand, offering holistic wellbeing and spa experiences tailored to individual guest needs; J Club, Dubai\'s leading lifestyle and wellness destination; Jumeirah One, the Group\'s dedicated recognition and rewards programme; and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the region\'s only fully accredited third-level academic institution delivering specialised degree programmes in hospitality management.

Jumeirah has embarked on a long-term strategic growth plan to expand its global portfolio and scale up its operations in key destinations around the world. In addition to adding hotel assets, the company will look to new businesses such as membership clubs, family focused environments and enhanced wellbeing services.

About the job

As the Head of Development, you will play a crucial role within the executive leadership team, taking charge of the strategic planning, management, and implementation of the company\'s development initiatives. In this pivotal position, your primary responsibility will be to propel the growth, expansion, and long-term viability of our business by identifying, assessing, and executing development opportunities.

Over the upcoming five years, our objective is to broaden our portfolio, encompassing both investment deals and Hotel Management Agreements across Europe, Asia, and the US. The Head of Development will spearhead and be accountable for the realization of this strategic expansion.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy that aligns with the company\'s long-term vision and growth objectives.
• Identify and evaluate new development opportunities, including property acquisitions, management contracts, and brand expansion, through rigorous market research and financial analysis.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including property owners, developers, governmental authorities, and industry partners.
• Oversee all aspects of development projects, including real estate transactions, construction, and renovation, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Conduct in-depth financial modeling and analysis to assess the feasibility and profitability of development projects, including return on investment (ROI) calculations.
• Provide inspirational leadership and guidance to a cross-functional development team, fostering collaboration and excellence.
• Mitigate risks associated with development projects by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, local laws, and industry standards.
• Lead the expansion of Jumeirah\'s brand presence by identifying and securing new management contracts and franchise opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to explore innovative and sustainable development strategies, including green and eco-friendly initiatives.
• Regularly communicate development progress, challenges, and opportunities to the executive team and board of directors, providing clear and data-driven insights.
• Develop and execute strategies for international expansion, adapting to different markets, cultures, and regulatory environments.

About you

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Real Estate, Hospitality Management), additional advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
• 15 to 20 years distinguished career at the executive leadership level, with a track record of successfully steering organizations through substantial growth and development phases, overseeing complex projects, and driving corporate strategies.
• Experience in overseeing and optimizing a diverse portfolio of development projects, ensuring that each project aligns with corporate objectives and is executed with exceptional efficiency.
• An extensive network of industry contacts and strategic alliances to source high-impact opportunities and maintain the company\'s prominence as an industry frontrunner.
• Extensive knowledge and insights into the ever-evolving hospitality industry, adept at leveraging market trends and competitive insights to inform development strategies and stay ahead of the curve.
• Exceptional financial acumen, proficiency in sophisticated financial analysis, modeling, and precision budget management, enabling the identification of high-value development opportunities, ROI optimization, and capital efficiency.
• Profound understanding of real estate principles, coupled with a proven track record in property acquisition, zoning, permitting, and overseeing complex development processes to unlock and maximize property potential.

About the Benefits

We offer an attractive tax-free salary, paid in Dirhams (AED), the local currency of the UAE. In addition, we offer generous F&B benefits, reduced hotel rates across our properties globally, excellent leave and health care package including dental coverage, flights home, life insurance, incentive programs, children\'s education assistance and other employee benefits making the role attractive to high performers and any applicant looking for a career with one of the most luxurious brands in the hospitality industry.

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