Director of Development and Planning - Residential Area

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute property professional to lead our land acquisition and planning function, focusing on large-scale residential development projects in Hong Kong. This critical leadership role is responsible for driving the Group's land banking strategy and securing a robust development pipeline. The successful candidate will lead the end-to-end acquisition process—from site sourcing and investment underwriting to government liaison and complex negotiations. This position demands a deep understanding of Hong Kong's land administration system, town planning regulations, and financial modelling. The Head will serve as the Group's primary representative before the Town Planning Board, the Planning Department, and the Lands Department, navigating the intricacies of land rezoning, lease modifications, and premium negotiations to maximise land value and project returns. Key Responsibilities

1. Land Acquisition Strategy & Deal Execution

• Formulate and implement the Group's land acquisition strategy to secure quality residential sites through government tenders, public auctions, and private treaties.
• Lead the full acquisition lifecycle, including market research, site identification, due diligence, financial modelling, and deal structuring.

2. Financial Modelling & Risk Assessment

• Oversee the execution of comprehensive project feasibility studies and financial models for target development sites.
• Conduct in-depth risk-based option pricing, scenario testing, and sensitivity analysis to determine critical investment timing and optimise returns.
• Prepare investment proposals and presentation materials for Senior Management and Board-level approval, articulating strategic rationale and financial viability.

3. Land Sourcing Channels, Planning Approvals & Government Liaison

• Expand diversified land sourcing channels, covering government land tenders (official land auctions), development rights acquisitions, compulsory sale, and joint development to identify quality residential sites and development opportunities.
• Represent the Company at Town Planning Board hearings to secure planning permissions and land use rezoning approvals for projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Planning Department and other government bureaux on policy consultation and planning approval matters, ensuring project planning aligns with the latest zoning and development strategies.
• Advance land use rezoning and related planning applications in accordance with the statutory procedures under the Town Planning Ordinance.
• Lead and coordinate compulsory sale and joint development negotiations with property owners, developers, and partners to facilitate project collaboration and land assembly.

4. Land Administration & Premium Negotiation

• Manage applications for land exchange, lease modification, and temporary waivers, including the preparation of technical submissions.
• Lead negotiations with the Lands Department on land premium assessments, applying professional valuation principles to secure favourable terms.
• Oversee due diligence on land titles, lease conditions, and development restrictions for all potential acquisitions.

5. Stakeholder & Team Management

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of acquisition, planning, and feasibility professionals.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments (Projects, Finance, Legal, Sales) and manage external consultants (surveyors, lawyers, architects) to ensure seamless project advancement and full compliance with Hong Kong regulatory standards. Qualifications & Requirements Experience & Education
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Surveying, Finance, Business Administration, or related disciplines; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in land acquisition, property development, or investment in Hong Kong, with at least 8-10 years in a senior management capacity.
• Professional qualifications such as MRICS and MHKIS (General Practice) and CFA are highly preferred. Technical Competencies
• Proven track record in leading high-value land acquisitions and complex development projects in Hong Kong.
• Strong expertise in financial modelling, DCF analysis, and risk assessment for large-scale property developments.
• In-depth knowledge of Hong Kong's town planning system and land administration procedures, including lease modifications and land premium assessment.
• Demonstrated experience in liaison with the Town Planning Board, Planning Department, and Lands Department. Soft Skills & Attributes
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, decisive and commercially sensible with numbers.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.