Director - Growth

AboutAlef Group is a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures. We are seeking a strategic, highly analytical Director - Growth to shape the company’s growth agenda, unlock new opportunities, and strengthen market positioning to drive sustainable success.Job PurposeThe Director - Growth will lead the real estate development strategy execution by conducting market intelligence, highest & best use studies, feasibility analysis, and investment decision support for the company’s real estate development portfolio. Moreover, the role will entail assessing investment and divestment opportunities in real estate and drive financial performance and strategic growth by analyzing, acquiring, and managing property portfolios. This role plays a critical strategic function in guiding land acquisition, master planning, development mix, phasing, pricing, and investment performance across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed‑use assets.Key AccountabilitiesOverall SummaryLead macro and micro market research across all asset classes.Analyse demand & supply, absorption rates, pricing benchmarks, vacancy trends, and buyer/tenant profiling.Lead feasibility studies, HBU analysis, and sensitivity testing.Support development strategy, master planning, and concept positioning.Support investment committee and board‑level decisions.Lead acquisition and JV commercial due diligence.Manage external research consultants, valuers, and brokers.Prepare market outlook dashboards and investment memorandums.Ensure data accuracy and governance of feasibility outputs.Market Research & IntelligenceLead and conduct macro and micro market research across all asset classes: residential, retail, office, mixed‑use, hospitality, industrial, and special economic zones.Analyse demand & supply, absorption rates, pricing & rental benchmarks, occupancy trends, buyer & tenant profiling.Track economic, demographic, regulatory, and investor trends affecting real estate.Build and maintain a market intelligence database for continuous decision support.Feasibility Studies & Financial ViabilityLead and conduct highest and best use (HBU) studies for land and redevelopment opportunities.Prepare and validate:Development feasibility studiesFinancial models (revenues, construction cost, IRR, NPV, margins)Sensitivity analysisScenario testingWork closely with the following departments to ensure fully aligned feasibility outputs:DevelopmentDeliveryDesignFinanceLeasingStrategyDevelopment Strategy SupportAdvise management on:Optimal land use mixPhasing strategiesProduct typologiesTarget segmentsSupport investment committee decisions, business plans, and board presentations.Participate in master planning, concept positioning, and branding strategies from a market‑driven perspective.Investment & Acquisition Due DiligenceOriginate and execute real estate investment deals aligned with the firm's strategy.Secure financing sources and structure debt for assets.Analyse financial information and forecast industry and economic conditions.Lead and conduct market and commercial due diligence for:New land acquisitionsJoint venturesStrategic investmentsAssess:Market riskSales velocity riskPricing sustainabilityExit strategiesReporting, Dashboards & GovernancePrepare:Quarterly market outlook reportsInvestment memorandumsInternal feasibility approvalsDevelop standardized feasibility and market reporting frameworks.Ensure full governance, auditability, and accuracy of all market data used in corporate decisions.Stakeholder & Consultant ManagementManage relationships with:Research housesValuersBrokersFeasibility consultantsReview, validate, and challenge third‑party reports.Ensure consistency and reliability across all external studies.Educational Qualifications, Work Experience, and Skills RequiredEducational Qualification & CertificationsMust have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or equivalent.Master’s Degree in Strategy, Finance, or Real Estate Development is preferred.Work ExperienceMust have a minimum of 15+ years of total professional experience, including significant exposure to the real estate development industry.At least 8–12 years of direct experience within real estate development, property development, or real estate investment organizations, preferably in the UAE or GCC region.Minimum of 4 years in senior leadership, strategic, commercial, or growth‑focused roles, with demonstrated responsibility for business expansion and revenue growth.Proven experience across the full real estate development lifecycle, including market research, feasibility studies, product positioning, project launches, sales strategy, and commercialization.Skills requiredFinancial feasibility modelling on Excel, running all BLT, BTS, BTO modelsExpertise in structuring deals such as JVMarket research on primary and secondary basisExecutive st