Director of Engineering

Job description

Company Description

SO/ Budapest invites you to the front row

SO/ is a coveted collection of hotels rooted in the world of fashion, commanding attention with it’s avant garde design and creative approach to the world of luxury.

SO/ Budapest will open towards the end of 2026 and our search for an experienced Director of Engineering to join our team and play a crucial part in this successful opening begins.

Located in a prime position overlooking the iconic Chain Bridge and the Danube River, SO/ Budapest Hotel is a bold new addition to the city’s luxury hospitality scene. The hotel features 349 elegantly designed rooms and suites, complemented by a vibrant mix of dining and entertainment experiences. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining restaurant, a show-stopping rooftop bar with panoramic views, and extensive wellness facilities that offer a space for both relaxation and rejuvenation.

Designed with both leisure and business travellers in mind, the hotel also boasts state-of-the-art MICE facilities, making it a key destination for events, meetings, and social gatherings in the heart of the city.

Job Description

What you’ll do…

·  Lead pre-opening engineering planning, testing & commissioning, and smooth handover from Design & Construction.
·  Provide strategic leadership of the Engineering function, ensuring the highest standards of asset integrity, guest comfort, and operational excellence.
·  Oversee all maintenance operations across guestrooms, public spaces, BOH, plant rooms and exterior facilities to brand standards.
·  Drive execution of a robust Preventive & Predictive Maintenance program to protect long-term asset value.
·  Develop and manage the departmental operating budget, utilities strategy, and Resort CAPEX plan.
·  Optimize energy management and champion sustainability initiatives aligned with luxury brand ESG commitments.
·  Establish rigorous controls for tools, equipment, technical inventory, and critical spare parts.
·  Partner with ownership, project teams, consultants, and contractors on pre and post opening activities.
·  Ensure full compliance with local safety legislation, fire life safety standards, and risk management protocols.
·  Oversee property security infrastructure in collaboration with third-party providers where applicable.
·  Mentor and develop a high-performing engineering team; foster a culture of technical excellence and accountability.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for…

·  Significant engineering leadership experience within luxury hotels.
·  Proven pre-opening experience is highly desirable.
·  Strong financial acumen with experience managing CAPEX and large-scale asset projects.
·  Deep understanding of building systems, energy optimization, and life safety compliance.
·  Demonstrated ability to operate at executive level with owners and brand stakeholders.
·  A balance between a methodical, process and results driven approach and flexibility and creativity when it comes to juggling multiple priorities, meeting deadlines and finding solutions.
·  You are comfortable with the strategic as well as day to day detail.
·  You are an excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams, leaders and ownership; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together.
·  You want to question the norm and create change by doing things differently.
·  You’re grounded, we leave our egos at the door and approach everything with an open mind.

Additional Information

What's in it for you...

·  The opportunity to launch an exciting new hospitality concept in Budapest and have a real impact on its success.
·  Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
·  The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
·  Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and building a portfolio of brands.
·  A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.