Hotels - Director of Engineering - New Build Hotel

director of Engineering

OPENING SOON: La Bahia Hotel & Spa

About Us:
Set against the stunning backdrop of Santa Cruz's pristine coastline, our brand-new luxury hotel is poised to become a beacon of elegance and hospitality. Our mission is to provide guests with unparalleled service, exquisite accommodation, and unforgettable experiences.

We are seeking a Director of Engineering to join our pre-opening team and lead the engineering operations at La Bahia. This role is critical in ensuring a seamless launch, overseeing pre-opening tasks such as system testing, room inspections, and finalizing building readiness. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience in project management, and a deep understanding of hotel engineering operations.

As the Director of Engineering, you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining all engineering standards, managing the technical aspects of the property, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. You will also work closely with contractors, vendors, and hotel leadership to ensure a smooth transition from construction to full operation.

Pre-Opening Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the on-site project, design and construction team to understand the status of construction related to building, building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety) and equipment while being built and installed.
• Conduct thorough daily inspections of building and building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety) to identify and address any deficiencies or non-compliance issues and work with on-site project, design and construction team being resolved before handover to operations.
• Lead and coordinate construction building punch list, ensuring all guest rooms, F&B outlets, Spa, public areas and back-of-house areas meet operational standards before opening.
• Test and certify all critical equipment, including generators, elevators, emergency lighting and fire life safety systems.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedule and operational procedures before the hotel opens to ensure long-term efficiency.
• Assist in recruiting and training the engineering team to ensure preparedness for opening and ongoing operations.

Ongoing Responsibilities:

• Manage the engineering team and ensure all tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies that align with the hotel’s operational objectives.
• Ensure that all engineering projects are completed within budget and on time.
• Maintain and update engineering standards, procedures, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Oversee compliance with all safety regulations, fire codes, and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Collaborate with other departments to support operational needs and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Hotel Chief Engineer required
• Experience in hotel openings, pre-opening inspections, and system commissioning preferred
• 3-5 yearsof experience in hotel, institutional, or HVAC systems
• HVAC certificationand refrigeration experience required
• Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, life safety, and preventative maintenance systems
• Budget management, cost control, and financial responsibility experience (stationary engineering license preferred)
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, contractors, and leadership

This role presents an exciting opportunity to be part of the pre-opening team for a luxury property and shape the engineering operations from the ground up. If you are a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise and a passion for excellence, we invite you to join us in launching La Bahia Hotel & Spa.