Job vacancy Retail Development Director

Our Client is a major Property Developer in the UAE that has a multi-asset class portfolio consisting of residential, retail, hospitality.

Lead and direct the team to ensure all aspects of retail F&B projects meet our clients Strategic and Commercial growth plans. The selected individual is expected to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the expansion and improvement of F&B offerings in retail locations, aligning with companies goals and market trends
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align F&B goals with overall business objectives
• Conduct market research to identify potential locations and target demographics for new F&B outlets within retail spaces
• Conduct thorough feasibility studies for potential F&B projects, assessing market demand, competition, financial viability, and return on investment (ROI) and present findings and recommendations to stakeholders
• Oversee retail F&B projects, including development brief, design monitoring in line with development brief, feasibility and financial returns, marketing, and transactions, ensuring timely completion, within budget, and meeting quality standards
• Lead the conceptualization phase of new F&B projects, collaborating with architects, designers, and other consultants to develop innovative and marketable concepts that align with companies brand and values
• Collaborate with CDO, Executive leadership, Projects, and Finance team to secure project funding, negotiate contracts, and manage the business case throughout the development process
• Oversee project development, from design and construction to pre-opening and launch, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders for execution as per approved RACI matrix
• Collaborate with Procurement to drive negotiations and partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure high-quality ingredients, equipment, and services
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as investors, partners, and local authorities, address concerns and collaborate for approvals and permits along with projects team
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards in F&B establishments, addressing issues, if any
• Identify and mitigate potential risks including regulations, and financial risks, and implement risk management strategies to protect the companies interests
• Provide leadership to develop a cohesive work team, demonstrating the companies Core Values and creating a positive and collaborative work environment
• Ensure adequate project resourcing with a culture of forward planning
• Stay abreast with industry trends, demographic shifts, and competitor activities, to leverage new market opportunities, benchmark against competitors, and make recommendations for market expansion and sustainable growth

• Required Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Business, property development, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business Management, or related fields with a preference for Masters
• Minimum 15 years of experience in F&B management within a retail environment, including project management in establishment of standalone large retail and F&B spaces or as part of larger mixed-use Masterplans
• 7+ years of experience in the Middle East region, working with top UAE real estate companies would be beneficial
• Excellent financial acumen and understanding of real estate financial analysis, including budgeting and financial modeling and performance metrics
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and health standards in F&B operations
• Strong understanding of customer preferences, and industry best practices.