KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 57th largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2023 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards, mentoring and coaching programs and extensive in-house on demand learning courses. 

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Development Lead to join our Project Management Division based in Jeddah, KSA. This position is responsible for leading our development monitoring and control team for a prestigious, major-scale mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia. This is a critical role that requires a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional stakeholder management skills. You will be instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of complex development plans, coordinating with various internal and external parties to deliver world-class assets.

We envisage success in this role to include:

• Leading, and managing a team of 6 development monitoring and control professionals.
• Overseeing workload distribution of team members.
• Leading the comprehensive monitoring and control of 3rd party developer activities.
• Conducting in-depth reviews and assessments of developer's development plans, ensuring alignment with construction feasibility, project objectives, and regulatory requirements.
• Identifying potential risks and issues related to development plans and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant Saudi Arabian regulations, codes, and best practices.
• Acting as the primary point of contact and coordinator with 3rd party developers, fostering strong collaborative relationships.
• Liaising extensively and coordinating effectively with the Client's project team, ensuring clear communication, alignment of objectives, and timely reporting.
• Coordinating with various external stakeholders, most notably the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), to ensure all geological and geotechnical requirements are met.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with all project stakeholders, facilitating smooth communication and decision-making processes.
• Reviewing geotechnical plans and reports in close coordination with the Geo Engineer, assessing their adequacy and implications for the development.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on construction-related aspects of development plans.
• Participating in design reviews and technical discussions to ensure optimal development outcomes.
• Preparing and presenting regular, comprehensive reports on development progress, challenges, and risks to the Client and internal stakeholders.
• Ensuring all documentation related to development monitoring and control is accurately maintained and readily accessible.
• Communicating complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include work experience partnered with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable.
15+ years of progressive experience in development management, project management, or a similar role within the construction or real estate development sector.

• Proven experience with major-scale mixed-use developments, including luxury hospitality, retail, and high-end residential components.
  
• Strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, from concept to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of construction processes, methodologies, and best practices.
• Familiarity with Saudi Arabian building codes, regulations, and relevant government authorities (e.g., SGS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly advantageous

You will have worked on various large scale mixed use projects that include luxury hotels, various transport modalities and the associated utility works that would be needed to support such assets.

KEO’s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its’ contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.