Head of Infrastructure - Dubai Holding Land Estates

Overview

Lead and oversee infrastructure planning, design, and delivery for large-scale master-planned developments.

Key Responsibilities

• infrastructure design
• mobility planning
• budget management
• authority relations
• data management
• digital transformation

Tasks

The role holder is responsible for leading infrastructure and planning, ensuring technical requirements align with the master development vision. The role ensures developments are supported through optimized infrastructure concept development, authority approvals while providing expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle. The role holder is also responsible for interfacing with key internal (Master Development, Urban Management, Technology Design and Delivery) and external stakeholders (external consultants, government authorities), ensuring interests are protected and all stakeholders are aligned with business expectations. -Partner with the other Dubai Holding vertical and provide guidance on the innovation initiatives that introduce cutting-edge infrastructure solutions and sustainable technologies -Coordinate closely with other verticals of Dubai Holding (e.g, DHRE) throughout all project phases, aligning infrastructure design and delivery with master plan vision and strategic rollout objectives -Lead the preparation of high-level concept development and infrastructure design briefs for Dubai Holding's marquee masterplans including Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, Al Jaddaf, and other significant projects, ensuring each development's unique infrastructure requirements are met with innovative, technically sound, and cost-effective solutions -Mobility & Access: Overseeing transportation planning, road networks, accessibility standards, and smart mobility solutions -Coordinate with Delivery and Procurement teams to deliver in line with target budget, quality, and time commitments. -Oversee relationships with government relations teams, coordinating external consultant engagements with regulatory stakeholders -Develop succession plans and professional growth pathways for infrastructure team members -Benchmark Dubai Holding's infrastructure practices against global leaders in master development to identify improvement opportunities -Establish strategic direction for Public Realm components of all Dubai Holding developments -Create streamlined approval frameworks with regulatory bodies and provide escalations support to resolve complex approval challenges -Direct the formulation and management of annual OPEX & CAPEX infrastructure budgets across Dubai Holding developments, providing leadership in long-term business planning for continuous enhancement of infrastructure assets -Direct high-level communications regarding Dubai Holding requests for master planning approvals, modifications, land use changes, and infrastructure permits -Lead the Authorities Relations function, establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with government authorities and utility entities including RTA, DEWA, DM, etc., -Maintain Infra as-built data base aligned with approved/constructed communities -Develop and maintain Dubai Holding's infrastructure assets registry, directing operations and maintenance programs for existing and future infrastructure -Dry Services: Managing power distribution systems, power master plans and phasing of substations, telecommunications infrastructure, and related utilities -Establish frameworks defining methodologies for managing all infrastructure management related requests, that includes NOCs, completion certificates, TIS, and cost sharing agreements -Optimize infrastructure designs for efficiency, cost, and sustainability, conducting VAS technical reviews for critical approvals -Oversee infrastructure parameter updates, technical assessments (LUC/AGFA/amalgamation), and allocation of utility plots and ROW issuance -Establish a proper infrastructure planning team ensuring Dubai Holding has the internal capability and a single point of contact, integrating resources embedded in development teams -Ensure a consistent approach to Infrastructure Development across projects. -Monitor infrastructure capacity and recommend optimization strategies that enhance system performance and reduce operational costs -Oversee infrastructure services, including value added services (VAS) submission reviews, master plan change requests reviews, and relevant stakeholder approvals across Dubai Holding's diverse portfolio of iconic developments -Implement budget control mechanisms and performance monitoring systems for all infrastructure initiatives -Wet Services: Directing water supply networks, sewerage systems, irrigation, stormwater management, and sustainable water solutions -Partner with the other Dubai Holding verticals to ensure all infrastructure engineering activities comply with international standards and UAE regulations -Maintain SOS and master plan approval trackers and flag challenges/delays. -Create data-driven decision-making frameworks for infrastructure investments and optimization strategies -Foster collaborative working relationships with internal departments, Dubai Holding entities, and external customers to ensure alignment of infrastructure solutions with stakeholder needs -Develop comprehensive long-term and short-term infrastructure strategies that align with Dubai Holding's master development vision, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective infrastructure services while adhering to statutory requirements/guidelines -Drive digital transformation of infrastructure management processes, implementing smart systems that enhance efficiency and data visibility -Ensure alignment of as-builts with GIS systems and utility companies -Set challenging yet achievable performance objectives aligned with Dubai Holding's strategic goals -Lead cross-functional infrastructure resources across specialized disciplines including: -Support master plan submissions by coordinating with authorities (e.g., RTA, DEWA, DM), ensuring oversight and alignment with the DH Corporate Stakeholder Engagement team as the lead -Lead a diverse team of infrastructure specialists organized across functional disciplines (Planning, Mobility & Access, Dry Services, Wet Services, Landscaping, and Authorities Relations) -Drive the development, review, and approval of master plans, infrastructure modifications, land use changes, and GFA alterations, providing expert guidance on utilities planning, traffic impact studies, and capacity allocation -Conduct Value Engineering of Infra Systems at the different master planning stage gates. -Create governance structures that ensure proper resource allocation across infrastructure teams, consolidating technical resources and developing specialist units to reduce resource dependency -Optimize capacity utilization across infrastructure systems to support future growth and operational efficiency while ensuring alignment with group’s sustainability targets

Requirements

• master’s degree
• executive leadership
• change management
• civil engineering
• planning tools
• uae standards

What You Bring

-Master’s degree is preferred -Change management expertise with ability to lead teams through organizational transitions -At least 10 years in executive leadership positions managing multi-disciplinary infrastructure teams and complex project portfolios -Demonstrated success leading infrastructure planning and implementation for premier master-planned communities, preferably within the UAE or GCC -Extensive experience interfacing with UAE or GCC government authorities and regulatory bodies -Expert knowledge of UAE infrastructure standards, building codes, and regulatory approval processes -Advanced technical understanding across all infrastructure disciplines (transportation, utilities, public realm) -Superior communication skills with ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences -Strong background in managing technical consultant relationships and large-scale infrastructure contracts -Strong business acumen with ability to identify value enhancement opportunities -Proven track record collaborating with top-tier developers -Minimum 20 years of experience in infrastructure development and project delivery (preferable) for large-scale developments -Outstanding negotiation and influence capabilities, particularly with government authorities and service providers -Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities -Strategic vision with ability to translate corporate objectives into actionable infrastructure plans -Exceptional stakeholder management skills with demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures -Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Management or related technical field required or a related field from a recognised institution -Proficiency with infrastructure planning tools, project management systems, and financial modelling

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Benefits

At Dubai Holding, we're committed to nurturing the success and well-being of our colleagues. Join our dynamic and diverse team, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. We strongly believe in creating an empowered workforce that will help us build a connected city for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting the brightest minds and nurturing the most pioneering candidates who desire to make a great impact on the future of Dubai. Dubai Holding Land Estates oversees a diverse land portfolio strategically located across Dubai’s most sought-after areas. With convenient access to major highways, nearby amenities, and flexible land use options, investors are presented with unique opportunities for development and growth.

About Dubai Holding

-A driving force behind Dubai's urban transformation, shaping the skyline and experience of the city. -A leading investment powerhouse with diverse holdings in real estate, hospitality, and leisure, creating world-class developments. -Key projects include iconic landmarks like the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Dubai Internet City, shaping Dubai's global reputation. -Their expertise spans commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate developments, fueling Dubai's rapid expansion. -In addition to urban developments, brings entertainment and leisure innovations with attractions like global resorts. -Investing in future-driven projects, pushes the boundaries of smart cities and sustainable development. -Collaborates with global partners to bring cutting-edge technologies to its properties and projects. -A rich history of successful projects, continues to lead by redefining lifestyle and business opportunities.

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