Director of Engineering

This position is based in Florence, Italy and reports to the General Manager of Capella Florence.

The Director of Engineering forms part of the Guidance Team who collectively make key strategic and operational decisions for the Hotel. The Director oversees a team of Engineering and Maintenance specialists responsible for all engineering operations for interior/exterior facilities including plumbing, refrigeration, heating/cooling, painting, carpentry, structural, recycling, electrical, ground care and parking areas.

The Director is also responsible for Life/Fire safety systems, energy/green initiative systems and management of other engineering work necessary to maintain the property in an efficient condition to ensure the safety and comfort of guests and employees.

THE ROLE

• Provide clear vision and direction for the Engineering team, fostering a culture that reflects Capella’s Service Philosophy.
• Lead pre‑opening preparations and oversee daily Engineering operations, ensuring adherence to hotel policies, service standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and manage the Engineering Business Plan and Budget; support Capital Expenditure planning and supervise approved projects.

Property Maintenance & Compliance

• Manage all aspects of property maintenance to ensure optimal operations and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, implement, and audit a comprehensive Preventive Maintenance Program in line with manufacturer and brand standards.
• Establish regular Guestroom Servicing and Building Inspection programs with focus on life safety and critical areas.
• Ensure uninterrupted utility supply, including oversight of the Primary Plant and fuel management systems.
• Maintain compliance with heritage building guidelines and nurture relationships with heritage authorities.

Life Safety & Risk Management

• Implement corporate and government life safety procedures; ensure all alarm, fire prevention, and firefighting systems are fully functional and regularly inspected.
• Conduct property surveys to identify hazards and recommend corrective measures.
• Develop and maintain emergency procedures for fire, natural disasters, elevator malfunctions, and evacuations.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee guest‑related engineering services, resolving issues promptly and ensuring exceptional experience.
• Monitor engineering logs and equipment performance; recommend improvements to reduce waste and boost productivity.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including the Department Operations Manual and equipment records.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of hotel and government reports.

Resource & Inventory Management

• Maintain an organized Engineering store with strong inventory controls and regular audits.
• Ensure availability of maintenance materials and support cost‑effective procurement.
• Review and approve Technical Services purchase requests.
• Champion team training and development; build departmental trainers and support continuous learning.
• Foster employee well‑being through mentoring, feedback, and goal‑setting.
• Promote a positive team culture that recognizes performance and reinforces accountability.
• Strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and assist in updating SOPs to enhance operational efficiency.

TALENT PROFILE

Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering field

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experiences in similar role at luxury hotels/resort
• Pre-Opening Experience is an advantage

Technical Skills

• Excellent consulting and interpersonal skills
• Motivator and self‑starter, capable of handling multi‑faceted projects and of working under pressure
• Strong technical and people management skills
• High degree of integrity. Strong leadership. Nurtures and develops colleagues, encouraging innovation
• Comprehensive knowledge of business needs, financial reporting and productivity requirements
• Excellent command in both written and spoken Italian
• Able to communicate in English Professionally

Kindly be informed only shortlisted candidates will be notified.