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 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

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.