Chief Engineer - Luxury Hotel Pre-Opening

About the role

NH Collection Sydney, part of Minor Hotels, is launching a new luxury property in Sydney and is looking for an experienced, commercially minded Chief Engineer to lead engineering and maintenance operations during pre-opening and beyond. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the role ensures the property is kept to the highest standards while providing a safe, efficient environment for guests and staff. The post-holder leads all engineering and technical operations, balances day-to-day maintenance with long-term planning and oversees preventative maintenance, capital projects, contractor management, statutory compliance and sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the hotel's engineering and maintenance operations, keeping all facilities and technical systems reliable, safe and efficient.
• Manage preventative maintenance programs, repairs, refurbishments and technical projects.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, fire, health and safety requirements.
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house facilities and plant rooms regularly.
• Prepare and manage engineering budgets, including payroll, operational expenditure and project costs.
• Monitor and improve energy and water consumption through sustainability initiatives.
• Manage external contractors and service providers for quality, compliance and value.
• Lead, coach and develop the engineering team.
• Support pre-opening engineering activities, project coordination and operational readiness planning.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer, Maintenance Manager or senior engineering leader in a hotel environment.
• Experience in premium, luxury or upper-upscale hotels.
• Demonstrated experience managing compliance, safety and risk requirements.
• Strong financial acumen with budget, contractor and capital project management.
• Formal qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline are highly regarded.
• Hands-on leadership style, problem-solving and composure under pressure.
• Previous pre-opening experience is highly regarded but not essential.
• Only candidates with working rights in Australia or New Zealand are accepted.

Required skills

• Building systems, maintenance operations and asset management.
• Budget management and contractor management.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and team development skills.

What we offer

• Career growth through learning and development programs.
• 50% off stays at Minor Hotels in Australasia, 20% off for friends and family.
• International accommodation discounts across Minor hotel brands.
• Retail rewards with cashback and discounts at 400+ retailers in Australia and New Zealand.
• Discounted entertainment and activities.
• Health insurance offers and workplace banking benefits.
• EAP and tailored wellness support.