Head of Real Estate Development

For our client, an established, privately owned Swiss real estate group, we are looking for an experienced Head of Real Estate Development to take a leading role in shaping and delivering its development portfolio. The company operates in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is involved in a broad range of residential, commercial and mixed-use real estate projects across Switzerland. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded real estate professional who combines a strong understanding of architecture, planning and development with the ability to identify market opportunities, create attractive real estate products and drive projects forward.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead real estate development projects from initial concept and feasibility assessment through planning, permitting and handover to construction.

• Develop commercially attractive property concepts, considering market demand, target groups, positioning, building specifications and optimal use of space.

• Assess development opportunities from both a technical and financial perspective, ensuring projects are commercially viable and aligned with the company's investment objectives.

• Manage complex planning and approval processes, including zoning and land-use planning, and liaise with municipalities, cantonal authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinate architects, planners, consultants and internal project teams, ensuring alignment between design quality, commercial objectives, timelines and project requirements.

• Lead discussions and negotiations with external partners, prospective occupiers and other stakeholders.

• Monitor project budgets, development milestones and financial performance, providing clear recommendations and decision-making support to senior management.

• Work closely with internal construction and real estate teams to ensure a smooth transition from development to execution.

Your Profile

• Approximately 8–15 years of relevant professional experience in Swiss real estate development, ideally gained with a real estate developer, property owner, institutional investor or comparable organisation. More experienced candidates are equally encouraged to apply.

• A background in architecture, real estate development, construction or a related discipline, ideally complemented by strong commercial and financial expertise.

• Proven experience managing development projects through concept development, planning and approval processes.

• Strong understanding of the Swiss real estate market, including planning regulations, development economics and market-driven property positioning.

• Ability to combine architectural and technical considerations with commercial decision-making and financial feasibility.

• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with experience working with authorities, architects, investors and other project partners.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong business acumen and a hands-on, solution-oriented approach.

• Independent and structured working style, with the confidence to take ownership of projects and advise senior management.

• Very good German and English language skills.

• Experience in hospitality, hotels or serviced accommodation developments would be an advantage, but is not essential.

What's on Offer

• A senior, influential position within an established and entrepreneurial Swiss real estate group.

• The opportunity to shape development concepts and influence key commercial decisions from an early stage.

• A diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across Switzerland.

• Direct collaboration with senior management and significant autonomy in driving projects forward.

• Short decision-making lines and a dynamic, hands-on working environment.

• Long-term development opportunities.

Interested?

If you are an experienced real estate development professional who combines technical expertise with a strong commercial mindset and enjoys taking ownership of projects, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please apply through Robert Walters or contact us for a confidential discussion.