Director of Engineering

Job Description

The Role

As the Director of Engineering of Mövenpick Moroni, Comoros, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of all hotel facilities, infrastructure, technical systems, and physical assets.

Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean in the vibrant capital city of Moroni, the hotel is a landmark hospitality destination within the Union of Comoros, an emerging tourism market renowned for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and unique blend of African, Arab, and French cultural influences. Comoros offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of hospitality in an authentic and largely undiscovered island destination, making this role both professionally rewarding and highly impactful.

The hotel features 159 guestrooms and suites, complemented by a comprehensive range of leisure, wellness, family, and business facilities, including a swimming pool area, Little Birds Club, Teens Club, Fitness Centre, Spa, Ballroom, Mövenpick Retail Shop, and a diverse collection of food and beverage venues comprising an All-Day Dining Restaurant, Specialty Restaurant, Lobby Bar, Pool Bar, and Beach Bar.

The Director of Engineering is responsible for overseeing all engineering, maintenance, utilities, energy management, technical services, safety-related systems, and capital improvement initiatives throughout the property. The role ensures that all facilities and equipment are maintained to the highest standards, supporting seamless hotel operations, exceptional guest experiences, colleague safety, and owner asset protection.

Working closely with the General Manager, ownership representatives, Area/Hub Engineering leaders, Corporate Office specialists, and department heads, the Director of Engineering will proactively identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, optimize maintenance practices, enhance sustainability performance, reduce risk, and protect the long-term value of the property.

The Director of Engineering also plays a critical leadership role in building a culture of preventive maintenance, technical excellence, innovation, compliance, and safety while ensuring the hotel's physical assets consistently meet brand standards and operational requirements.

As a member of the Hotel's Heads of Departments, the Director of Engineering will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the hotel while safeguarding infrastructure, optimizing asset performance, leading technical projects, and supporting sustainable business growth.

In performing these duties, the Director of Engineering is expected to maintain collaborative and professional relationships with all stakeholders while embodying the values and spirit of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and bringing our promise of "We Make Moments" to life every day.

Key Deliverables and Responsibilities:

Engineering Leadership & Business Partnership

1. Serve as the principal advisor to the General Manager and Executive Committee on all engineering, maintenance, infrastructure, and technical matters.
2. Provide recommendations to support operational efficiency, asset preservation, sustainability initiatives, and long-term capital planning.
3. Develop and implement engineering strategies aligned with hotel business objectives and owner expectations.
4. Collaborate closely with the Director Of Engineering, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye, PME to ensure compliance with Accor engineering standards, technical policies, safety requirements, and regional initiatives.
5. Support department leaders by ensuring facilities and equipment consistently meet operational requirements.
6. Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and annual business plan preparation.
7. Advise leadership on technical risks, lifecycle management, and infrastructure investments.
8. Support hotel openings, renovations, refurbishments, and operational enhancement projects.
9. Ensure engineering decisions balance guest experience, operational efficiency, sustainability, and asset value.
10. Support the successful positioning of Mövenpick Moroni as a flagship hospitality destination within the Union of Comoros, ensuring infrastructure and facilities meet international standards while respecting the local environment and culture.
11. Contribute to the long-term development of hospitality infrastructure in an emerging tourism market by mentoring local talent and promoting sustainable engineering practices.

Maintenance Operations & Asset Management

1. Lead all engineering and maintenance activities across guestrooms, public areas, heart-of-house facilities, and external infrastructure.
2. Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
3. Ensure all mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), HVAC, refrigeration, kitchen, laundry, and utility systems operate effectively.
4. Establish maintenance schedules that minimize operational disruption and maximize asset lifespan.
5. Monitor equipment performance and implement timely corrective actions.
6. Maintain accurate technical documentation, maintenance records, and asset inventories.
7. Implement computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and ensure effective use by the team.
8. Conduct regular inspections to ensure facilities remain compliant with brand and safety standards.
9. Coordinate contractor activities and ensure quality workmanship.
10. Protect hotel assets through effective maintenance planning and lifecycle management.

Energy Management & Sustainability

1. Develop and implement strategies to optimize energy, water, and utility consumption.
2. Monitor utility performance and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
3. Lead initiatives that support Accor sustainability objectives and environmental commitments.
4. Track and report energy consumption, carbon reduction, and sustainability metrics.
5. Implement preventive measures to reduce waste and resource consumption.
6. Support renewable energy and environmentally responsible infrastructure initiatives where feasible.
7. Promote sustainability awareness among engineering team members and operational departments.
8. Ensure all plant and equipment operate at optimum efficiency.
9. Collaborate with Finance and Operations teams to evaluate sustainability investment opportunities.
10. Coordinate and work closely with the Area/Hub Sustainability leaders to support the implementation of regional sustainability initiatives and projects.

Health, Safety & Compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all local building codes, engineering regulations, environmental requirements, and safety legislation.
2. Maintain all life safety systems including fire detection, fire suppression, emergency lighting, and evacuation systems.
3. Ensure all statutory inspections, certifications, and testing requirements are completed on schedule.
4. Lead engineering participation in hotel emergency response and crisis management programs.
5. Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions where required.
6. Promote a culture of workplace safety and safe engineering practices.
7. Ensure contractors operate in accordance with hotel safety standards and permit-to-work procedures.
8. Lead investigations of engineering-related incidents and implement preventive measures.
9. Maintain compliance with Accor engineering and safety standards.
10. Protect guests, employees, contractors, and hotel assets through proactive risk management.

Project Management & Capital Expenditure

1. Develop and manage the annual Engineering CAPEX plan.
2. Prepare technical specifications and business cases for capital projects.
3. Lead renovation, refurbishment, and infrastructure improvement projects.
4. Manage project timelines, budgets, contractors, and quality standards.
5. Coordinate project activities with hotel operations to minimize guest disruption.
6. Monitor project expenditures and ensure compliance with approved budgets.
7. Liaise with consultants, designers, contractors, and ownership representatives.
8. Ensure all projects comply with brand standards, engineering regulations, and sustainability objectives.
9. Deliver projects on time, within budget, and according to approved scope.
10. Support long-term asset enhancement strategies and property value preservation.

Facilities Reliability & Operational Excellence

1. Ensure uninterrupted operation of critical hotel systems and infrastructure.
2. Implement reliability-centered maintenance practices to reduce downtime.
3. Develop contingency plans for utility interruptions and equipment failures.
4. Monitor maintenance KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Ensure guestroom product quality is maintained through effective room maintenance programs.
6. Support operational departments in resolving technical issues quickly and efficiently.
7. Manage spare parts inventories and essential engineering supplies.
8. Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization within engineering facilities.
9. Benchmark engineering performance against industry best practices.
10. Ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure systems in an island environment, including power generation, water treatment, water storage, telecommunications, and backup utilities.
11. Develop engineering strategies that address the challenges of operating in a remote island destination, including logistics, equipment availability, and extended procurement lead times.
12. Implement asset protection measures to mitigate the effects of tropical climates, high humidity, coastal weather conditions, and salt-air corrosion.

Leadership & People Development

1. Lead, mentor, and develop the Engineering team to achieve departmental and business objectives.
2. Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, technical excellence, and teamwork.
3. Drive employee engagement and support Mövenpick's Heartist® culture.
4. Identify and develop high-potential talent through succession planning initiatives.
5. Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and development discussions.
6. Ensure compliance with company policies, People & Culture procedures, and ethical standards.
7. Promote technical training, certifications, and continuous learning opportunities.
8. Encourage innovation and problem-solving within the department.
9. Build strong working relationships with all hotel departments.
10. Develop, mentor, and retain local engineering talent through training, knowledge transfer, succession planning, and career development initiatives, supporting the growth of hospitality expertise within Comoros and contributing to the hotel's commitment to the local community.
11. Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service excellence.

Owner & Stakeholder Relations

1. Maintain strong and professional relationships with ownership representatives and asset managers.
2. Prepare and present engineering updates, maintenance plans, CAPEX reports, and asset performance reviews.
3. Provide technical recommendations that support owner investment decisions.
4. Ensure transparent communication regarding infrastructure risks and asset-related priorities.
5. Support all corporate and ownership reporting requirements accurately and on time.
6. Act as the primary engineering liaison between the hotel, ownership, contractors, consultants, and Corporate Engineering teams.

Sustainability & Responsible Business

1. Champion Accor sustainability initiatives and environmental best practices.
2. Reduce energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and environmental impact.
3. Support local sourcing and responsible procurement for engineering projects and maintenance activities.
4. Identify innovative technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability.
5. Support projects and responsible resource management initiatives that contribute to the long-term sustainability of the hotel, local community, and tourism sector within the Union of Comoros.
6. Lead initiatives focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship in support of the preservation of Comoros' unique coastal and marine ecosystems.
7. Collaborate with local authorities, partners, and communities to support sustainable tourism and environmental protection initiatives.

The Director of Engineering is expected to serve as a trusted technical leader and business partner for Mövenpick Moroni, Comoros, ensuring operational excellence, facility reliability, safety compliance, asset protection, and sustainable property performance while supporting exceptional guest experiences, owner satisfaction, and long-term value creation.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical).
2. Professional engineering certification or relevant technical qualification is highly desirable.
3. Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive engineering leadership experience, including senior engineering positions within international hotel brands.
4. Previous experience as Director of Engineering, Chief Engineer, Cluster Engineering Leader, or similar role within a premium or upscale hospitality environment is preferred.
5. Fluency in French and English is required; knowledge of Comorian and/or Arabic is an advantage.
6. Previous experience in remote island, resort, or emerging-market destinations is highly desirable.
7. Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical systems, generators, MEP systems, plumbing, water treatment, fire and life safety systems, and building management systems.
8. Proven experience in preventive maintenance, asset management, utilities optimization, and engineering compliance.
9. Strong understanding of hotel operations, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, Laundry, Spa, Recreation, and Heart-of-House facilities.
10. Demonstrated experience delivering capital projects, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
11. Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify operational risks and improvement opportunities.
12. Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
13. Experience working with hotel owners, ownership representatives, asset managers, consultants, and corporate offices.
14. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical requirements and commercial priorities.
15. High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety and ethical business practices.
16. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and adapt to local business practices and cultural sensitivities.
17. Strong proficiency in maintenance management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and engineering reporting tools.
18. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced hospitality environment.

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized hospitality brand under Accor.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities within the Accor global network.
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
  The opportunity to contribute to a dynamic hospitality environment delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• The chance to play a key role in preserving, enhancing, and future-proofing one of Comoros' leading hospitality destinations through engineering excellence, innovation, sustainability, and asset stewardship.