Manager Development

About the role:

This role plays a key role in the planning and preparation of airport infrastructure projects that support capacity enhancement, operational efficiency, and service excellence. The role leads the development of integrated, value-driven solutions in alignment with the Airport Master Plan, business priorities, and regulatory frameworks. Assigned programs may span terminal developments, airside and landside infrastructure, utilities, baggage systems, special systems, or refurbishment projects. Also, responsible for coordinating internal stakeholders, preparing business case documentation, evaluating technical feasibility, and ensuring project readiness for implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of business cases, feasibility studies, and investment proposals to support project justification and executive decision-making.

• Collaborate with Strategy, Finance, Engineering, and Planning teams to ensure infrastructure initiatives are aligned with capital planning and long-term transformation goals.

• Support governance processes by preparing Investment Committee submissions and ensuring all development proposals meet internal compliance, risk, and documentation standards.

• Participate in cross-functional workshops and planning forums to align infrastructure programs with stakeholder expectations, operational readiness, and service improvement targets.

• Translate airport development priorities into well-defined project scopes aligned with strategic plans, regulatory requirements, and master planning objectives.

• Lead the planning and assessment phase of assigned capital projects, ensuring functional requirements are clearly defined and validated through engagement with sponsors, SMEs, and users.

• Develop solution options in collaboration with internal and external contributors, including consultants and engineering teams, ensuring proposals are technically viable and fit-for-purpose.

• Conduct risk assessments, benefit analysis, and cost-impact evaluations to inform project prioritization and scope refinement.

• Coordinate with PMO and delivery teams to ensure implementation readiness, transition planning, and alignment with overall program schedules.

• Monitor delivery performance and track benefit realization metrics to ensure continuous alignment with intended business outcomes.

• Prepare project documentation, technical reports, and presentation materials, including post-project reviews and lessons learned.

• Maintain close coordination with departments such as Operations, IT, Commercial, and Engineering throughout the project lifecycle to ensure integrated development outcomes.

• Perform other department duties related to his / her position as directed by the Head of the Department.

About you:

• Bachelor's in engineering, Infrastructure Planning, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in infrastructure development, airport planning, or capital project delivery.

• Proven ability and experience to lead the assessment, structuring, and planning of complex infrastructure initiatives in regulated environments.

• Strong knowledge and experience of project feasibility, investment planning, and infrastructure lifecycle management.

• Experience in aviation infrastructure or large-scale transport development programs, preferred.

• Familiarity with ICAO, IATA, and regional regulatory frameworks, preferred.

• Prior exposure to GCC infrastructure or development entities, preferred.

• Experience using digital tools or AI-based systems for infrastructure planning and reporting, preferred.

• Strong analytical and planning capabilities with the ability to structure and evaluate infrastructure solutions.

• Skilled in business case development, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory alignment.

• Excellent communication and report writing skills with experience preparing executive-level documentation.

• Proficiency in capital project governance processes, risk management, and benefit realization tracking.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of sustainable infrastructure planning and smart airport systems integration Scope of Specialization (indicative project domains).

• This role may be assigned to development programs within one or more of the following areas:

o    Passenger Terminal Complex – Front-of-house (e.g., check-in, immigration, parking interface) and airside zones (Concourses A–E, lounges, staff areas).

o    Operational Support Facilities – Midfield and offsite infrastructure supporting airport operations

o    Airfield and Infrastructure – Runway and taxiway expansion, apron development, and associated utilities.

o    Airport Special Systems – Baggage Handling Systems (BHS), cybersecurity infrastructure, passenger experience technologies.

o    Master Plan Expansions and Refurbishment Programs – Future phases of growth or stakeholder-driven initiatives (e.g., office redevelopments).