Director- Digital Business & Strategic Initiatives

Company: AQUA Properties Location: Dubai, UAE Employment Type: Full-Time Seniority: Director / Senior Leadership Industry: Real Estate

About the Opportunity

AQUA Properties is seeking an accomplished and commercially driven Director – Digital Business & Strategic Initiatives to support the growth, development, and operational excellence of technology-enabled business initiatives within the organisation.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual who combines strong commercial acumen, real estate industry knowledge, technology expertise, and proven experience in building and scaling businesses.

The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying growth opportunities, strengthening operational frameworks, driving digital innovation, and developing sustainable business models.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Strategy & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute business strategies to drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion.
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities within real estate and technology-enabled services.
• Take ownership of business performance, financial planning, budgets, and profitability.
• Establish commercial objectives, performance indicators, and growth strategies.
• Work closely with executive leadership on strategic planning and business development.

1. Technology & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimisation of technology-driven business solutions.
• Collaborate with technical teams to improve digital platforms, customer experiences, and operational workflows.
• Identify opportunities for automation, system integration, and digital process improvement.
• Translate commercial requirements into practical technology solutions.
• Oversee technology initiatives to ensure scalability, reliability, and alignment with business objectives.

1. Real Estate & Transactional Business Development

• Leverage knowledge of the UAE real estate market to identify commercial opportunities.
• Develop strategies to improve transaction efficiency, customer acquisition, and revenue generation.
• Build relationships with real estate professionals, institutional partners, developers, and industry stakeholders.
• Explore innovative property transaction models and digital business channels.
• Ensure business initiatives align with applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.

1. Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Establish efficient processes, internal controls, and reporting mechanisms.
• Manage financial performance, operating budgets, and business profitability.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement across business functions.

1. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop cross-functional teams covering business operations, technology, commercial development, and customer experience.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability frameworks, and departmental objectives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing professionals.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, ownership, and results.
• Provide regular business performance updates and strategic recommendations to executive management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Real Estate, or a related discipline. An MBA would be advantageous.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive professional experience , including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience in real estate, PropTech, digital marketplaces, technology-enabled services, or transactional business models.
• Strong understanding of technology platforms, digital transformation, systems integration, and business automation.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, business operations, and commercial performance.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business growth strategies.
• Experience in the UAE or GCC real estate market is highly desirable.
• Exposure to online marketplaces, digital transaction platforms, or auction-based business models would be an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and commercial leadership
• Strong technology and digital business understanding
• Business development and revenue generation
• P&L management and financial acumen
• Operational excellence and process optimisation
• Stakeholder and partnership management
• Team leadership and organisational development
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Innovation and business scalability

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who have held senior leadership positions such as:

• Director of Business Operations
• Director of Digital Transformation
• Director of Technology & Business Solutions
• General Manager – Digital Platforms
• Chief Operating Officer
• Head of PropTech / Digital Business

The ideal candidate will be a commercially minded leader who understands both technology and real estate, has successfully managed multidisciplinary teams, and possesses the ability to transform business opportunities into profitable, scalable operations.

Why Join AQUA Properties?

This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to strategic business initiatives within an established UAE real estate organisation, work alongside executive leadership, and play an influential role in developing innovative, technology-driven business solutions.

Work Location: In person