Director of Engineering at Accor

Job Description

• Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has been consistently ranked among the world’s finest, earning a spot on the 2024 Travel + Leisure 500 list and being recognized as one of the top destinations in Africa. It has also been featured by Condé Nast Traveler as one of Africa’s top destinations. In addition, the hotel has been honored as Africa’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year, most recently in 2025.
• The Director of Engineering leads the strategic planning, execution, and management of all engineering and maintenance functions within the property. This role ensures optimal performance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems while upholding the highest safety, sustainability, and brand standards. The Director is responsible for delivering operational excellence, leading capital projects, and driving innovation in asset protection and energy efficiency.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement the property’s long-term engineering strategy, aligning with corporate objectives, operational needs, and sustainability goals.
• Drive the capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning process, from needs assessment to budgeting and project prioritization.
• Forecast infrastructure and system requirements to support business growth and guest experience improvements.
• Establish technical standards and benchmarks for all engineering operations and projects.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with local, national, and international engineering, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee risk management in all engineering-related activities, including life-safety systems, fire prevention, and emergency response planning.
• Implement robust quality assurance and control frameworks for all engineering works.

Project & Asset Management

• Lead the design, review, and approval process for all major renovations, expansions, and new construction projects.
• Oversee asset lifecycle management to ensure maximum ROI and reliability of equipment and infrastructure.
• Negotiate with vendors, contractors, and consultants for large-scale projects and service agreements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Chief Engineer and other engineering staff.
• Build a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the engineering division.
• Champion professional development initiatives to keep the team updated on emerging technologies and best practices.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Integrate sustainable practices into all engineering operations, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Explore and implement smart technology solutions for facilities management and operational efficiency.

Financial Stewardship

• Prepare and manage the engineering division’s annual budget, ensuring cost control without compromising quality or safety.
• Monitor financial performance of projects and operations, taking corrective actions as necessary.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between the engineering division and senior executive leadership.
• Collaborate closely with other department heads to ensure engineering initiatives support operational goals.
• Present technical and capital investment updates to the board or executive committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field).
• Minimum 10 years of engineering leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior strategic role in hospitality, real estate, or a related industry.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with a proven track record of motivating and inspiring teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to interact effectively with guests, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of financial management principles and the ability to contribute to budgeting and cost control.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to address challenges proactively and effectively.
• Proven experience managing large-scale capital projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in CAPEX planning and budget management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.