Director of Engineering - Pre-Opening, W Manchester

Shape the Future of Luxury Lifestyle Hospitality in Manchester

A bold new chapter is coming to one of the UK's most dynamic cities. W Manchester, a highly anticipated addition to the iconic W Hotels portfolio, is set to redefine luxury lifestyle hospitality in the heart of Manchester.

Celebrated for its creativity, cultural energy and global reputation for music, sport and innovation, Manchester provides the perfect backdrop for a brand that thrives on originality and contemporary luxury. As a pre-opening property, W Manchester represents a rare opportunity to help bring a new hospitality destination to life, creating extraordinary guest experiences from day one.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Engineering to join the pre-opening leadership team and play a critical role in establishing the operational foundations, asset integrity and technical excellence that will underpin the hotel's long-term success.

About the Role

As Director of Engineering, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of engineering, maintenance, facilities management and asset protection for the hotel.

This role carries overall responsibility for maintaining the building, grounds and physical plant, with particular focus on safety, security, regulatory compliance and the protection of the owner's investment. You will lead the engineering function through the pre-opening phase and beyond, ensuring that every technical system, guest-facing space and back-of-house operation reflects the exceptional standards expected of W Hotels.

Combining technical expertise with commercial acumen, you will oversee budgets, capital expenditure projects, preventative maintenance programmes and energy conservation initiatives while building a high-performing engineering culture that supports both guest satisfaction and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all engineering, maintenance and facilities operations, ensuring the property operates safely, efficiently and in full compliance with brand and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies aligned with the hotel's business objectives, pre-opening milestones and long-term operational goals.
• Manage the physical plant, including HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical and water treatment systems, ensuring optimum performance and reliability.
• Oversee engineering budgets, capital expenditure projects and preventative maintenance programmes, ensuring effective cost control and asset protection.
• Lead emergency response planning and serve as the senior point of contact for all facility-related incidents and life-safety matters.
• Build, inspire and develop a talented engineering team, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Partner with ownership, hotel leadership and regional teams to proactively identify risks, improve efficiencies and maximise return on investment.
• Drive sustainability and energy conservation initiatives while maintaining the elevated guest experience expected within a luxury lifestyle hotel environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking engineering leader with experience managing complex hospitality assets and delivering results in fast-paced, high-profile environments.

You will bring a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking and strong people leadership. Equally comfortable managing major capital projects, operational budgets and team development, you understand how engineering excellence directly influences guest satisfaction, associate engagement and commercial performance.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• A collaborative and empowering leadership style.
• Experience leading engineering operations within luxury hotels, resorts or large-scale hospitality environments.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management and capital planning.
• Deep knowledge of building systems, life-safety compliance and preventative maintenance programmes.
• A passion for developing high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• The ability to balance operational discipline with the bold, innovative spirit that defines W Hotels.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of six years' experience in engineering, maintenance or a related discipline, including technical training in HVAC-R, Electrical and Plumbing;

OR

• A two-year degree in Building & Construction, Engineering, Mechanics or a related field, with a minimum of four years' relevant experience, including technical training in HVAC-R, Electrical and Plumbing.

Why Join Marriott International?

At Marriott International, you will join the world's largest hospitality company and a business committed to helping associates realise their full potential. We offer outstanding opportunities for career progression, leadership development and international mobility across an unrivalled portfolio of brands and destinations.

Joining W Hotels means becoming part of a brand that challenges convention, embraces creativity and celebrates individuality. As part of a pre-opening team, you will have a unique opportunity to influence the culture, standards and success of a landmark hotel from its very beginning.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

This is more than an engineering leadership role. It is an opportunity to help create one of Manchester's most exciting new hospitality destinations and leave a lasting legacy within one of the world's most distinctive luxury lifestyle brands.

If you are an accomplished engineering leader ready to shape the future of W Manchester, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity and become part of the next generation of luxury hospitality with W Hotels and Marriott International.