Vice President of Engineering

We are seeking a highly accomplished Vice President of Engineering to lead all engineering, construction, and project management initiatives for a growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels
, including active development in New York City and additional openings across key U.S. markets. This executive will oversee the full life cycle of hotel development—concepting, design coordination, pre-construction, construction execution, brand compliance, and turnover to operations—ensuring every project meets our standards for craftsmanship, guest experience, and financial performance.

This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic, hands‑on engineering executive who thrives in fast‑paced, design‑driven environments and has demonstrated success delivering complex hospitality projects on time and within budget.

• Lead all engineering and construction activities for new lifestyle hotel developments in New York and additional U.S. markets.
• Oversee the full project life cycle, including feasibility, budgeting, scheduling, pre‑construction planning, construction administration, and project closeout.
• Act as the owner’s representative, coordinating with architects, designers, contractors, consultants, brand partners, and city agencies.
• Create and manage master development schedules, ensuring clear milestones and accountability across internal and external teams.
• Conduct site visits and monitor construction progress, quality, safety, and adherence to specifications and approved plans.
• Mitigate project risks and proactively resolve technical issues that impact timelines or budgets.

• Provide executive oversight of engineering, MEP systems, building infrastructure, FF&E, and OS&E integration across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, ADA, environmental guidelines, energy requirements, and life‑safety standards.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, change orders, RFPs, and contractor proposals.
• Lead value‑engineering initiatives that maximize quality while maintaining financial discipline.
• Establish technical standards and engineering best practices for all properties in the portfolio.
• Develop and manage capital budgets for all development projects, including cost estimates, contingencies, forecasting, and reporting.
• Lead negotiations with contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure optimal pricing and contractual terms.
• Track and report on project financial performance, identifying cost efficiencies and ensuring ROI targets are met.
• Oversee turnover to operations, ensuring engineering systems, building infrastructure, and guest‑facing components meet opening standards.
• Partner with pre‑opening teams, operations leadership, and brand partners to ensure seamless handoff and successful openings.
• Manage punch lists, commissioning, inspections, and occupancy certifications.

• Build and lead a high‑performing engineering and project management team.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Development, Design, Operations, Finance, and Ownership.
• Provide executive‑level updates, board reports, and development dashboards for senior leadership stakeholders.

• 12+ years of experience in hospitality construction, hotel development, or high‑end mixed‑use projects.
• Demonstrated success delivering lifestyle or boutique hotel projects in urban markets, ideally including New York City.
• Deep expertise in project management, construction sequencing, engineering systems, and coordination of design and technical teams.
• Strong understanding of local municipal agencies, permitting processes, building regulations, and union environments.
• Proven experience overseeing contractor performance, negotiating complex agreements, and managing multimillion‑dollar budgets.
• Ability to balance technical excellence with creative, design‑driven hotel concepts.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field required; MS/MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications (PE, PMP, LEED AP) highly valued.