Manager Global Properties, dnata Catering

About the role

dnata is looking for an experienced property and infrastructure professional to shape and deliver its global property and infrastructure strategy across an international network of catering operations. The role leads global property standards and strategies, oversees new developments, expansions and refurbishments from concept to operational handover, and supports infrastructure planning for future growth and acquisitions. It is a permanent, full-time position based at the Dubai head office with frequent international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement global property portfolio strategies covering lease management, space utilisation, capacity planning, asset lifecycle management and portfolio optimisation.
• Manage lease agreements, renewals, relocations, expansions and disposals, keeping stakeholders satisfied and complying with contractual and statutory obligations.
• Lead property development, expansion, refurbishment and relocation projects, aligned with operational, compliance, budget and timeline requirements.
• Oversee property due diligence, acquisitions, asset improvements and risk assessments, advising on asset readiness and long-term value.
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies, capital investment proposals and commercial recommendations.
• Monitor portfolio performance, risks, compliance, budgets, lease liabilities and supplier performance, reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Promote the organisation's core values and act as a role model for ethics and an inclusive workplace.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (or 3+ years of relevant vocational experience) in Business, Construction, Engineering, Surveying, Real Estate or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in property development, infrastructure, facilities or asset management, including multi-site or regional operations.
• Significant experience with industrial, operational or technically complex facilities such as manufacturing, logistics, distribution, aviation or hospitality infrastructure.
• Proven track record delivering major property development, construction, refurbishment or expansion projects to handover.
• Experience across multiple locations, ideally internationally, and with different regulatory environments.

Required skills

• Property portfolio management: lease management, asset lifecycle planning, space and capacity planning.
• Property strategies, operational standards, business cases, feasibility assessments and capital investment recommendations.
• Property governance, compliance, due diligence, budgeting and commercial risk management.
• Coordinating contractors, teams and external providers within budget, timeline and quality.
• Executive-level reporting, negotiation and stakeholder influence.

Nice to have: a recognised professional qualification; aviation, ground handling or catering experience; airport authority and landlord experience; regional market knowledge; familiarity with facility design and readiness standards; property or asset management software.

What we offer

• Attractive tax-free salary.
• Travel benefits including discounted flights and hotel stays worldwide.
• Leave and healthcare package, plus transport benefits and life insurance.