Chief Development Officer

Job Title: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Reporting To: CEO / Joint CEO

Role Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be responsible for driving the end-to-end growth and expansion strategy of the multiplex business across India. The role will oversee Business Development (new site acquisition, leasing, expansion strategy, partnerships) and Project Execution (design, fit-outs, commissioning, and handover) ensuring timely and profitable rollout of new cinemas. The CDO will play a critical leadership role in scaling the brand footprint, optimizing

capital investments, and ensuring high-quality project delivery aligned with company

standards.

Key Responsibilities

A. Business Development & Expansion

Develop and implement strategic expansion plans for multiplex growth across the country.

Identify and evaluate new business opportunities including malls, high-street properties, mixed-use developments, and redevelopment projects.

Lead site feasibility studies covering catchment analysis, financial viability, ROI, IRR, and payback assessments.

Negotiate commercial terms with developers, mall owners, landlords, and strategic partners.

Drive LOI, lease agreement closures, revenue share models, and CAM negotiations.

Maintain strong relationships with developers, IPCs, real estate consultants, and landlords.

Track competitor expansion and market trends to refine growth strategy.

B. Project Planning & Execution

Oversee end-to-end project lifecycle from design conceptualization to launch.

Monitor capex budgets and ensure cost optimization without compromising quality.

Ensure statutory approvals, fire NOCs, municipal clearances, and licensing compliance.

Conduct regular project reviews to ensure adherence to timelines and quality benchmarks.

Lead pre-opening readiness including technical checks and operational handover.

C. Financial & Commercial Oversight

Prepare and manage annual expansion budgets and capex planning.

Drive cost control measures and value engineering initiatives.

Present project investment proposals to the Board / Investment Committee.

Ensure projects achieve targeted ROI and EBITDA benchmarks.

D. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Build and lead Business Development and Projects teams.

Collaborate closely with Finance, Operations, Marketing, Legal, and Procurement.

Represent the organization in industry forums and real estate events.

Report expansion pipeline and project status to senior management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Number of screens added annually.

Project completion within approved timelines and budgets.

Target IRR / ROI achievement per project.

Reduction in project cost overruns.

Successful lease closures and commercial negotiations.