Retail Development Director Michael Page Abu Dhabi

Michael Page has an opportunity for Retail Development Director to join major property developer in the UAE. The client has a multi-asset class portfolio consisting of residential, retail, hospitality.The candidate will be a specialised development role leading retail portfolio which reports to C level. Submit your application if you are interested. 

Responsibilities Of Retail Development Director

• 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).
• Present findings & 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.
• Collaborate for approvals and permits along with projects team.

What you will do more?

• 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.
• Make recommendations for market expansion and sustainable growth.

Requirements Of Retail Development Director

• Minimum:Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, property development, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business Management, or related fields.
• 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.
• Preffered:Masters.
• 7+ years of experience in the Middle East region, working with top UAE real estate companies would be beneficial.

Skills And Abilities Desired

• 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.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with leading developer in the UAE.
• Opportunity to work with Highly skilled multinational workforce.
• Career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

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