Antal International is conducting a search on behalf of Croatia’s leading construction company for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Investment & Development to lead and further develop its Investment & Development function.This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the strategic evaluation, development and execution of real estate investment projects, from the initial assessment of an opportunity through planning, financing and implementation to successful completion.
The role combines investment and financial analysis, real estate development, project and portfolio management, commercial decision-making and stakeholder management, with direct exposure to the Management Board.
Reporting directly to a Member of the Management Board, the Head of Investment & Development will lead the department and take overall responsibility for Company’s investment and development project portfolio.
The successful candidate will evaluate new investment opportunities, make strategic recommendations regarding project selection, oversee the development and execution of approved projects, manage financial and commercial aspects, and ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
A key part of the role is taking ownership of projects from the pre-investment phase through development and execution to final completion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Investment Strategy & Project Development
- Make strategic investment decisions based on market and spatial analysis, financial evaluation, legal feasibility and overall project potential.
- Identify and assess new real estate investment opportunities and potential locations.
- Evaluate the commercial, financial, legal and regulatory feasibility of potential projects.
- Participate in negotiations with potential investors and business partners.
- Prepare recommendations to the Management Board regarding project selection, continuation or rejection.
- Lead the development and implementation of the approved investment portfolio.
Project Portfolio Management
- Take overall responsibility for the project portfolio, from the pre-investment phase through development and execution to final completion.
- Develop project plans, timelines, milestones and budgets and ensure their effective implementation.
- Monitor project progress, quality, costs and deadlines.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure effective collaboration.
- Identify, assess and proactively manage project risks.
- Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed quality, cost and timelines.
Project Partners & Stakeholder Management
- Coordinate communication and negotiations with designers, contractors, consultants and other professional partners.
- Coordinate external experts and ensure effective collaboration among all parties involved in project development.
- Participate in defining and approving optimal technical and project solutions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, financial institutions and other key stakeholders.
Project Financing & Sales
- Develop financial models, investment analyses and business plans for projects.
- Participate in planning and structuring project financing in cooperation with Finance, banks and investors.
- Cooperate with the Sales function in planning and executing project sales strategies.
- Monitor the achievement of financial and commercial objectives throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Governance, Risk & Quality
- Develop and implement internal procedures, standards and governance frameworks for project management.
- Establish effective mechanisms for project cost, quality and risk control.
- Ensure consistent application of project management standards and procedures across the portfolio.
- Prepare regular reports for the Management Board on project status, financial performance, risks and opportunities.
- Provide data-driven recommendations to the Management Board.
Leadership
- Lead, develop and motivate the Investment & Development team.
- Set clear objectives, priorities and performance expectations.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure accountability for results.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between internal teams and external partners.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- University degree / Master’s degree in Economics, Civil Engineering, Construction, Real Estate or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in real estate development, construction, investment management, project development or a related industry.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in people management.
- Proven experience in managing complex investment and/or construction projects.
- Strong understanding of the real estate market, investment opportunities and project feasibility.
- Solid knowledge of financial analysis and investment evaluation, including ROI, NPV and cash-flow analysis.
- Good understanding of spatial planning, urban planning, real estate regulations and property-related legal frameworks.
- Experience working with investors, banks, contractors, designers, consultants and other business partners.
- Strong commercial mindset with excellent negotiation and business development skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and strategic decision-making skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, pragmatic and results-oriented approach.
- Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, including formulas, pivot tables and data analysis.
- Good knowledge of MS Office.
- Experience with project management tools and ERP systems is an advantage.
- Good command of English.
- B-category driving licence.
KEY COMPETENCIES
We are looking for a leader who combines:
Strategic thinking & investment mindset | Commercial acumen | Financial & analytical thinking | Leadership | Project & portfolio management | Negotiation & influencing | Stakeholder management | Decision-making | Critical thinking | Problem-solving | Creativity & innovation
WHAT WE OFFER
- A senior leadership position with direct exposure to the Management Board.
- The opportunity to shape and manage a portfolio of significant real estate investment and development projects.
- A high level of responsibility and autonomy in investment and project-related decision-making.
- The opportunity to contribute directly to the future growth and development of the company.
- Professional and personal development opportunities.
- Company car available 24/7.
- Laptop, smartphone, monitor and reMarkable.