Development Manager

About Hive

Hive is a real estate development and operations company redefining modern living in the UAE through character-driven spaces and community-focused environments. Born from the need to offer people a more meaningful and flexible way to live, HIVE blends personal comfort with shared experiences. Our thoughtfully designed apartments and dynamic hubs cultivate curiosity, dialogue, and a sense of belonging – because life is richer when it’s shared.

As we expand our footprint across Dubai, we are looking for a highly capable Development Manager to join our team and take ownership of a portfolio of upcoming residential projects through the design, planning, and pre-construction stages.

Role Description

The Development Manager will be responsible for leading the day-to-day planning and design-stage development of Hive’s projects in Dubai. This role requires a design-savvy development professional who can manage consultants, coordinate internal teams, and drive forward project vision while ensuring feasibility, compliance, and quality of output.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the development lifecycle of assigned projects through design, authority approvals, and early-stage procurement phases.
• Serve as the key point of contact for all Dubai-based developments under the Hive pipeline.
• Lead the appointment and management of external consultants including architects, engineers, and cost consultants.
• Drive the design process to ensure alignment with Hive’s brand standards, operational requirements, and development objectives.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Brand, Operations, Finance, Delivery) to ensure integrated project planning.
• Monitor progress against key development milestones including design submissions, authority approvals, budgeting, and pre-construction readiness.
• Support feasibility analysis, financial modelling inputs, and risk identification during project planning.
• Manage interface with regulatory authorities and drive timely submission and approval of design packages.
• Prepare and present project reports to senior management and external partners.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 5–8 years of experience in real estate development, with a strong emphasis on early-stage design and planning.
• Significant UAE experience is essential; familiarity with Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, and other local authority processes is required.
• Background in architecture, engineering, or design management preferred, combined with developer-side experience.
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary consultant teams and coordinate complex design inputs.
• Strong project leadership, communication, and reporting skills.
• Proactive problem-solver with a keen eye for design quality, buildability, and operational fit.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or related field.
• Additional credentials such as PMP, MRICS, or LEED AP are an advantage.