Director of Engineering / Property

Overview:

Our client, a leading luxury hotel group, is assuming responsibility for a prestigious hotel property located in Venice. During the summer transition period (June to September minimum), they seek an experienced engineering professional to provide oversight and operational continuity, until a permanent Director of Engineering (DoE) is appointed.

An engineering manager is already in place at the property with strong operational knowledge. This interim role is designed to supervise and support the Engineering Manager, ensuring the daily operation runs smoothly, and act as the key liaison between hotel leadership and the engineering function. An Area Director of Engineering based in Milan is available to provide additional remote support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on operational oversight of the engineering function across the hotel.
• Supervise and support the existing Engineering Manager and the seasonal engineering team (typically 9–10 staff during summer).
• Coordinate closely with the General Manager and hotel leadership team to ensure engineering operations meet brand and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot technical and operational issues as they arise, providing stabilising leadership during the transition period.
• Ensure compliance with local health & safety, maintenance, and operational procedures (supported by the Engineering Manager).
• Maintain communication and reporting lines with the Area DoE in Milan.

Candidate Profile:

• Significant experience in hotel engineering operations within 4–5 star / luxury properties.
• Comfortable taking ownership of site-wide technical operations with minimal onboarding.
• Strong people management skills, able to supervise and support an existing team.
• Fluent Italian essential (to communicate with on-site engineering staff); English required for hotel leadership.
• Calm, solution-focused, and adaptable to transitional environments.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Venice for the duration of the assignment.

Contract Details:

• Contract duration: June–September 2025, with potential to extend and even evolve into the permanent Director of Engineering role.
• Full-time onsite presence required at the property.
• Hotel will reimburse accommodation and travel expenses.
• Day rate to be agreed, commensurate with seniority and equivalent to DOE level in Italy.