Director, Engineering

About Faena

Faena creates cultural epicenters—living stages where art, design, and warm, attentive hospitality convene to craft a feast for the senses. We are a Cultural Embassy that invites guests to seek the extraordinary, shaping worlds that feel profoundly personal, welcoming, and alive.

“At Wadi Safar, we are shaping a new world where art, architecture, and nature live in harmony. Guided by a shared respect for culture and craft, this collaboration with Diriyah Company reflects our belief that beauty can elevate everyday life and inspire a new way of living.”

— Alan Faena

The Role

As Director of Engineering, you will be the steward of the hotel’s physical soul—ensuring that every space, system, and sensory detail performs flawlessly while honoring Faena’s design integrity and sustainability commitments.

You will lead all engineering and technical operations through pre-opening and into steady state, safeguarding asset value, life-safety compliance, and operational excellence in an ultra-luxury environment.

What You Will Create

Pre-Opening & Technical Readiness

• Lead the full engineering pre-opening journey, including snagging, commissioning, testing & balancing, and systems handover.

• Oversee readiness of all MEP, BMS, ELV, life safety, and fire systems prior to opening.

• Coordinate closely with project teams, designers, contractors, and ownership during final construction and handover phases.

Asset Protection & Maintenance Excellence

• Establish preventive and predictive maintenance programs that protect long-term asset value.

• Ensure rapid, discreet response to technical issues with minimal guest impact.

• Maintain the integrity of Faena’s design, finishes, and specialty installations.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship

• Implement energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction initiatives aligned with brand and owner sustainability goals.

• Monitor utilities consumption and optimize performance without compromising luxury standards.

• Support ESG reporting and sustainability certifications where applicable.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, civil defense, fire life safety, and environmental standards.

• Lead safety training, emergency preparedness, and crisis response planning.

• Maintain audit readiness and accurate technical documentation.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build, train, and lead a high-performing engineering team with strong technical competence and service mindset.

• Partner closely with Operations, Housekeeping, Spa, F&B, and People & Culture to ensure seamless hotel performance.

• Manage engineering budgets, CAPEX planning, vendor contracts, and service agreements.

Who You Are

• A senior engineering leader from luxury or ultra-luxury hospitality, resorts, or mixed-use developments.

• Proven pre-opening experience with complex technical systems and high design standards.

• Strong expertise in MEP systems, life safety, and asset maintenance.

• Calm, solutions-oriented, and detail-driven, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Experienced working within Saudi Arabia or the GCC, with solid regulatory and stakeholder awareness.

• Fluent in English; Arabic an advantage.

What’s in it for you...

• Lots of opportunity to progress and switch it up as part of a global family of brands.
• Great healthcare, competitive salary, and some nice extra perks across the Ennismore family of brands!
• Learning opportunities to broaden your skillset and development that helps you think, make, and thrive at work
• The opportunity to be yourself and collaborate with other bright minds in a relaxed, innovative culture