Chief Engineer

Pullman Hotels & Resorts; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learn Your Way development

Employee discounts on accommodation &F

Job summary

Pullman Hamilton, part of the Accor group, seeks a hands-on Chief Engineer to lead the engineering function during pre-opening and beyond. You will ensure building systems, plant and facilities are safe, maintained to the highest standards, and aligned with pre-opening timelines.

You will manage a team, coordinate with contractors and internal stakeholders, and drive energy efficiency and regulatory compliance while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Chief Engineer, Engineering Manager or senior facilities role within hospitality.
• Strong technical knowledge across building services, plant and preventative maintenance.
• Experienced in contractor management, compliance, budgeting and capital works.
• Hands‑on, solutions‑focused leader with strong attention to safety and quality.
• Pre‑opening or major project experience highly regarded.
• Full working rights in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance readiness throughout the pre‑opening phase and hotel launch.
• Oversee preventative maintenance, plant, equipment, building systems and overall property presentation.
• Lead and develop the Engineering team, contractors and external service providers.
• Ensure compliance across health and safety, fire, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Manage engineering budgets, utilities, asset performance and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Partner with hotel leaders to deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations with minimal disruption to guests.

Skills

Building services

Plant maintenance

Preventative maintenance

Contractor management

Budgeting & cost control

Safety & compliance

Education

Full working rights in New Zealand

Job description

Company Description

As a pioneer in the art of responsible hospitality, the Accor Group brings together more than 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle destinations across 110 countries. While each brand has its own distinct personality, they share one ambition: to continually innovate, challenge the status quo and create meaningful experiences for guests and Heartists alike.

Pullman Hamilton is set to redefine premium hospitality in the heart of the Waikato. Opening in 2027, this landmark property will bring Pullman’s contemporary style, energetic spirit and premium guest experience to New Zealand’s fourth largest and fastest-growing city - creating a destination where business, leisure and lifestyle connect seamlessly.

Featuring 191 elegantly designed guestrooms, a signature restaurant and bar, executive lounge, ballroom and event studios, and a dedicated wellbeing floor, Pullman Hamilton will become a leading destination for travellers, corporates and the local community.

We are now seeking an experienced and hands‑on Chief Engineer to play a key role in the pre‑opening and ongoing success of Pullman Hamilton.

Working closely with the General Manager and Executive Committee, you will lead the Engineering function, ensuring the hotel’s building systems, plant, equipment and facilities are operationally ready, safe and maintained to the highest standard.

Job Description

• Lead engineering and maintenance readiness throughout the pre‑opening phase and hotel launch.
• Oversee preventative maintenance, plant, equipment, building systems and overall property presentation.
• Lead and develop the Engineering team, contractors and external service providers.
• Ensure compliance across health and safety, fire, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Manage engineering budgets, utilities, asset performance and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Partner with hotel leaders to deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations with minimal disruption to guests.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Chief Engineer, Engineering Manager or senior facilities role within hospitality.
• Strong technical knowledge across building services, plant and preventative maintenance.
• Experienced in contractor management, compliance, budgeting and capital works.
• Hands‑on, solutions‑focused leader with strong attention to safety and quality.
• Pre‑opening or major project experience highly regarded.
• Full working rights in New Zealand.

Additional Information

• Play a key leadership role in one of Waikato’s most exciting hotel openings.
• The opportunity to establish engineering systems and standards from the ground up.
• Access to Accor’s Learn Your Way development programs and global career pathways.
• Incredible Accor Heartist benefits, including discounted accommodation and dining across Accor hotels worldwide.
• Be part of a global hospitality group with extensive opportunities for development and career progression.

Accor is an equal opportunity employer. We endeavor to select, place, train, and promote the best qualified individuals based upon job‑related factors such as ability, work quality, suitability, experience, and potential.