Director Development

About ASCENTIS
Ascentis is an international engineering and project management consultancy, focused on hospitality and commercial developments across South Asia and East Africa. Founded in 2007, our team works alongside world-class developers and hotel operators to deliver exceptional outcomes on complex, high-value projects. Our success is built on clear thinking, decisive leadership, and a collaborative, people-first approach.
Role Overview
As Director – Development, you will lead multiple real estate developments from feasibility and planning through design, procurement, and construction. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong stakeholder management, commercial acumen, and hands-on delivery experience in large-scale projects.
You will lead multidisciplinary teams, represent the client’s interests, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management
Lead preparation of master schedules, budgets, and procurement strategies
Align project baselines with client expectations
Monitor progress and manage change control for variations
Design Consultant Appointment
Lead RFP preparation, consultant shortlisting, bidding, award, and contracting
Manage both local and international consultant appointments
Design Management
Oversee all design activities in line with project brief and master schedule
Implement ASCENTIS design coordination, review, approval, and change processes
Administer design contracts and control scope creep
Coordinate with clients and operators to enable timely decision-making
Ensure effective document control
Cost Management
Lead QS teams in preparing budgets at various design stages
Monitor and control costs through design, procurement, and construction
Drive value engineering initiatives
Oversee monthly cost reports, cash flow, and budget updates
Tender & Contract Management
Lead contractor prequalification and tender documentation
Direct BOQ preparation and tender administration
Lead tender awards aligned with approved cost and schedule
Manage claims, variations, and work change orders
Procurement Management
Lead procurement of MEP systems, facility equipment, FF&E, and OS&E
Coordinate procurement with design teams for value optimization
Lead client adjudications for timely ordering
Construction Management
Coordinate with Regional Director to monitor site execution
Ensure compliance with approved schedules, budgets, and quality standards
Sustainability Management
Propose sustainability and carbon-reduction objectives to clients
Appoint and manage sustainability consultants
Drive sustainability goals across design, procurement, and construction
Reporting & Client Communication
Lead fortnightly and monthly reporting
Chair review meetings with clients
Act as the primary point of contact for clients and operators
Leadership & General Responsibilities
Recruit and deploy project teams in coordination with HR
Monitor team performance and quality of service delivery
Lead client presentations and review all project reports
Manage billing and payment collection with finance teams
Coach, mentor, and train project and site teams
Implement and monitor internal processes
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering (BE/BTech)
Post-graduate degree in Construction Management / PMP preferred
20 years of hands-on experience in the building construction industry
Proven leadership on large-scale projects from inception to completion
Experience as Owner’s Representative or PMC
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities
Process-driven with excellent attention to detail
Exceptional communication and presentation skills
Strong rapport with designers and consultants
Advanced planning skills, including baseline schedules and trackers
Solid understanding of contracts (FIDIC or other international standards preferred)
In-depth knowledge of construction methods and quality control across trades
Ability to work autonomously and lead high-performance teams
Excellent written English with strong reporting capability
Ascentis is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value talent, integrity, and professionalism, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a respectful and supportive work environment for everyone.

Work arrangement
No