Director - Development - Hospitality - 20013109 HS8

Role Overview

Director - Development - Hospitality at Qiddiya Investment Company. This role leads the end-to-end development of hospitality assets as part of a landmark destination redefining entertainment, culture and hospitality in the Kingdom.

Company Overview

Qiddiya Investment Company is developing a portfolio of hotel assets central to a vision of shaping a landmark destination. The Hospitality Business Unit is central to this vision, with assets progressing toward delivery to the highest standards of design quality, guest experience and commercial performance.

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic development of hospitality assets from concept and business case through to delivery, handover and operational readiness. Shape development strategy, guide critical decisions and ensure assets deliver distinctive guest experiences, strong commercial performance and long-term value for both the asset and across the wider destination.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Positioning

• Lead the strategic development of hospitality assets from early-stage briefing through to delivery, handover and operational readiness.
• Shape asset strategy, feasibility and business plans to define positioning, guest experience and value creation.
• Provide strategic oversight of key asset decisions, including positioning, room mix, amenities, guest experience and operational planning to maximise differentiation and portfolio performance.

Cross-Functional Alignment & Stakeholder Management

• Drive cross-functional alignment across strategy, asset management, design, delivery and Operators to ensure seamless progression from development through to operations.
• Proactively manage interfaces, risks and opportunities across all development workstreams to protect value and maintain delivery momentum.
• Influence senior stakeholders and drive key decisions through clear communication and storytelling.

Quality & Standards

• Ensure assets align with Qiddiya's vision and quality benchmarks, delivering best-in-class design and guest experience.
• Lead key asset validation milestones, including mock-up rooms reviews and critical gateway decisions, balancing Operator, design, commercial and delivery requirements.

Governance & Reporting

• Lead governance and executive reporting processes, clearly articulating asset strategy, development priorities, risks and recommendations in key forums.

Team Development

• Mentor, guide and develop teams, embedding strong development capability and best-practice approaches across the portfolio.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline.
• 15+ years' experience in real estate or hospitality development.
• Proven track record delivering complex assets such as luxury hospitality or mixed-use developments.
• Experience developing hospitality assets with Operator engagement, including selection, onboarding or alignment.
• Experience across full development lifecycle from feasibility through delivery and handover.
• Experience working within multi-stakeholder, large-scale destination or master planned environments.
• GCC experience preferred.
• Professional membership or recognised certification preferred, such as RICS, RIBA, PMP or equivalent.

Skills & Competencies

• Experience shaping development strategy, feasibility and positioning.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of value creation.
• Strong judgement in complex, high-value development environments.
• Ability to manage complexity across stakeholders, workstreams and project stages.
• Proficiency in project management and reporting tools such as Aconex.
• Comfort operating in fast-paced environments, managing ambiguity and shifting priorities.