Chief Development Officer, Industrial Real Estate, Investment Holding

Location: UAE

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the growth and delivery of our industrial real estate platform. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role plays a critical part in shaping our long-term development strategy, driving expansion through land acquisition, project execution, and capital deployment, with a clear path toward public market readiness.

You will operate at the intersection of strategic planning, operational excellence, and real estate innovation building a scalable platform with institutional standards while adapting to the complexities of fast-evolving markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of strategic land opportunities for industrial development.
• Oversee the full development lifecycle, from planning and permitting to construction and handover.
• Manage budgets, control costs, assess risks, and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and in line with business objectives.
• Champion innovation in design and construction, integrating value engineering and sustainability wherever possible.
• Build and manage high-performing cross-functional teams including internal staff, external consultants, and contractors.
• Establish and maintain robust reporting and governance systems to support transparency and capital alignment.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 15 years in senior development or real estate leadership roles, ideally in industrial or logistics sectors.
• Proven track record in delivering complex, multi-phase development projects across diverse markets.
• Deep understanding of land acquisition processes, infrastructure planning, permitting, and construction.
• Experience working in or alongside institutional capital environments, including private equity or public market contexts.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational execution skills.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, including regulatory, political, and investment-related matters.
• Exposure to IPO preparation or listed-company governance is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regionally as needed.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are advantageous.

What We Offer

• A leadership role at the forefront of a high-growth industrial development platform.
• Direct influence on strategic decisions, capital deployment, and long-term value creation.
• Entrepreneurial and agile working environment backed by strong financial resources.
• Competitive executive compensation and performance-based incentives.