Associate Director of Development

About ASCENTIS

ASCENTIS is an international engineering and project management firm founded in 2006, operating across South Asia and Africa . We deliver end-to-end development, engineering, and project management solutions for the real estate sector—from feasibility through commissioning. Known for world-class professional standards, quality delivery, and uncompromising integrity , ASCENTIS partners with leading developers and operators on complex, large-scale projects.

Role Overview

As Associate 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
• 15–20 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