Job Description

Our client is a major Asian conglomerate involved in an array of Industry sectors such as hospitality , information technology, pharmaceuticals, minerals and real estate.

We are currently looking for a Development Director to be based in their Central London offices. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in international development particularly within real estate, hotels and hospitality. The successful candidate will be an experienced construction professional who will be required to travel overseas on a regular basis. It is envisaged that this stage that this is likely to involve at least three or four days overseas every fortnight.

Initially the main focus will be on a major hotel project in Libya but ultimately the Development Director will be involved in other projects in Italy, Angola, Mozambique as well as potential projects in London.

The development director reports direct to the board of directors and will be responsible for Multi-use Real Estate Development Project in Tripoli, Libya and other future Real Estate Projects.

1. GENERAL RESPOSIBILITIES
a)Provide oversight to the in-country management team of the Company’s projects;
b)Ensure internal communications plan between all stakeholders is in use and then monitor;
c)Ensure the Board is informed of fundamental issues regarding cost, time and quality.
d)Obtain management inputs on major issues for the benefit of the stakeholders;
e)Lead project implementation in close coordination with the in-country management team;
f)Lead due diligence efforts for prospective lenders, partners or other institutions as required, in coordination with the in-country management team
g)Lead marketing-related activities in coordination with the in-country management team, branding exercises and control information released to third parties;
h)Propose/ develop solutions to project specific problems, ensuring the Board are aware of any significant risk issues arising, or significant additional cost expenditure. Specific problems should be put into perspective and in context of the larger picture;
i)Resolve any conflicts/impasse to the Company/Project’s benefit, with input from relevant staff;
j)Control any proposed changes, to ensure the project is improved, both financially and technically;
k)Lead Organizational restructuring, as needed;
l)Attend the Monthly Client Meeting, and ensure minutes of meeting are correct.
m)Study new project in coordination with colleagues, and make recommendations.

2.FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
a)Provide direction and leadership to all financial activities, ensuring other staff comply with their job descriptions;
b)Market analysis, feasibility studies and financial modelling to ensure that the correct product is delivered, considering all market forces at project commencement, and as the market evolves;
c)Structure ownership/ investment vehicles and legal framework, to ensure all legal benefits are obtained;
within the project and to the Board;

3. TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
a)Ensure key contracts, including third party consultancy agreements are executed in a timely manner, and ensure proper administration of contracts is undertaken in coordination with the project team;
b)Oversee/ ensure the pre-qualification and tendering for all construction related contracts and ensure fair tendering of works and services are conducted to maintain probity and transparency;
c)Ensure all major design elements are vetted and approved, at each stage of the Project, considering the business plan/ budget;
d)Hotel Operator and Owners approvals and acceptance of designs/ equipment/ materials etc are obtained.
e)Be aware of Construction issues and delays, and assist with mitigating strategies. Ensure the Board is advised of major construction issues;
4. PROJECT PROGRAM & SCHEDULE
a)Ensure relevant parties are advised of schedule/program issues on a monthly basis, or more often is appropriate;
b)Ensure Project parameters of time and cost are realistically set, monitor and report against implementation schedule, and offer mitigation strategies where necessary;
c)Ensure change control practices are implemented and inform all relevant parties are advised of impact of change immediately, including cost and time impacts.

5. AUTHORITIES-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES
a)Ensure the project team establishes and maintains working relationships with government officials, authorities and the local community. Assist as appropriate;
b)Jointly establish and implement strategies with the local management to set the most effective procedure for obtaining timely approvals;
c)Manage local issues and non-conformances to authorities’ specifications standards early and clearly, in coordination with the in-country management;
d)Develop public relations strategies, and brand promotion;
e)Seek legal advice on a pragmatic basis, to ensure the company is acting lawfully at all times, and shareholders are protected from any legal actions.