Director of Engineering - Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel (Pre-Opening Team)

Company Description

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with a portfolio of more than 536 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travelers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH Hotel Group, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott, and Minor International properties, across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant upscale brand offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style. Avani was launched in response to an increasingly influential group of discerning travelers who appreciate stylish design and excellent service, but also demand great value. Avani hotels are designed for the way we travel now. And we think it’s all about balance. Balance between coolness and kindness, between design and function, and between service and privacy.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel set to open in Q2 2026 will bring contemporary style and Laotian flair to the heart of the capital, just minutes from Wat Si Saket, Vientiane Night Market, and Chao Anouvong Park. The hotel’s 197 guest rooms and suites will blend modern design with local touches, offering its guests the choice of four dining venues, including an international all-day dining restaurant, a western comfort food concept and bar, and a Southeast Asian fine-dining restaurant. Guests will enjoy Avani Spa with five treatment rooms, an Avani Fit fitness centre and studio, an outdoor swimming pool, and versatile event spaces including a ballroom for up to 320 guests.

Job Description

As Director of Engineering, you will lead all technical, mechanical, and facilities‑related functions of the hotel, ensuring operational readiness for the pre‑opening phase and long-term efficiency once the property is live. You will oversee the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and performance of all building systems, including MEP, HVAC, water treatment, electrical distribution, ELV systems, life‑safety infrastructure, and building management systems.

This role requires a forward‑thinking, hands‑on leader with strong project management skills and deep knowledge of hotel engineering standards. You will manage both the engineering team and external contractors while ensuring full compliance with brand, local regulatory, and safety requirements. As part of the hotel’s leadership team, you will contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, sustainability initiatives, and guest experience excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all engineering operations for the hotel, overseeing preventative and corrective maintenance programs across rooms, back‑of‑house, public areas, and technical plant.
• Drive and manage pre‑opening engineering setup, including testing, commissioning, snagging, asset tagging, documentation, and handover of systems.
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, fire‑life‑safety standards, environmental controls, and Minor Hotels’ engineering policies.
• Manage all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boilers, chillers, pumps, ELV, BMS, generators, fire panels) to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Lead capital planning, budget development, and financial control for engineering operations, energy consumption, renovations, and major projects.
• Develop sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption, enhance operational efficiency, and align with brand sustainability programs.
• Oversee contractor management, tender processes, vendor performance, and the negotiation of service contracts.
• Conduct property inspections, risk assessments, and safety audits; implement corrective actions and mitigation strategies.
• Recruit, train, inspire, and evaluate engineering team members; establish SOPs and performance standards.
• Provide technical support to other hotel departments to ensure seamless operations and minimal downtime.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are carried out discreetly, safely, and with minimal disruption to guests and team members.
• Play a pivotal role during emergencies by leading crisis response for equipment failures, infrastructure incidents, and safety‑related issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Facilities Engineering; professional certifications are an advantage.
• Minimum 7–10 years of engineering leadership experience in upscale or international hotels, including pre‑opening exposure.
• Strong technical knowledge of building operations, including HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, fire‑life‑safety, and BMS/ELV networks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large engineering teams and manage contractors across multiple disciplines.
• Proven experience managing capital projects, renovations, and project timelines.
• Exceptional understanding of local safety regulations, environmental compliance, and engineering standards.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, energy management, and procurement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach and strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced pre‑opening environment.
• Proficiency in engineering software, BMS platforms, and MS Office applications.
• Fluency in English required and fluency in either Lao or Thai strongly preferred.
• Previous relevant experience in Southeast Asia experience strongly preferred.