Director of Engineering in London

London sets the perfect stage for The Standard's first European flagship and since opening in 2019, The Standard, London has firmly established itself as one of the capital's most dynamic lifestyle hotels. Set in King's Cross within the hotel's iconic brutalist building, The Standard brings its design-led, culture-driven, activation-heavy philosophy to the heart of the city. With 266 guestrooms ranging from snug Cosy Cores to terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs overlooking St Pancras Station, the hotel has become both a neighbourhood fixture and an international destination.

A constant programme of Happenings, from DJs and brunches to live music and cultural panels keeps our spaces alive from early morning through late night. Our Restaurants, Bars and Rooftop terraces are legendary. Isla offers seasonal, produce-led menus on a serene garden terrace; Double Standard pairs American diner spirit with British pub classics; The Rooftop serves cocktails and pizza with panoramic London views; and Decimo brings bold Mexican Spanish cooking, mezcal and skyline views via our iconic red-pill lift. Together, these venues create a complex, high-volume, multi-outlet operation welcoming hotel guests, London locals and international visitors alike.

We are now looking for a Director of Engineering who will embody our Anything but Standard ethos and lead the continued performance, protection and evolution of our iconic building.

Your role

As our Director of Engineering, you will work in partnership with our General Manager, Senior Executive team and Ownership to oversee the Engineering function of The Standard, London. As part of our senior leadership team, you will be responsible for the overall management of the hotel's building systems, plant, equipment and physical assets. You will ensure that every area of the property, from guest rooms and public spaces to kitchens, rooftop venues and back-of-house, operates seamlessly, safely and efficiently.

You will lead and inspire our in-house Engineering team, including Shift Engineers and trade specialists, ensuring the department delivers both reactive and planned maintenance to the highest possible standards. In addition, you will oversee specialist contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance, quality and value across all service agreements.

From a strategic perspective, you will manage the Engineering operating budget and annual Capex plan, leading capital projects and lifecycle planning to protect and enhance this architecturally significant building. You will oversee all statutory compliance including Health & Safety, Fire Safety and Building Safety regulations, ensuring all testing, certification and documentation is maintained to the highest standards.

This is not a back-office engineering role. You will be highly visible across the property, supporting operations during high-profile events and activations, ensuring systems perform flawlessly within a fast-paced, high-volume lifestyle environment.

Do you have what it takes to be our Director of Engineering at The Standard, London?

While we take every detail of design and guest experience seriously, we do not take ourselves too seriously. Standard People are at the heart of our brand, vivid, dynamic and engaging. You will instinctively understand the unique microcosm of our venues and the city you represent.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A minimum of 5+ years' experience in a senior Engineering leadership role, with at least 2–3 years as a Director of Engineering or Chief Engineer within a lifestyle, boutique or large 4 or 5 star hotel
• A recognised trade qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, Gas, Plumbing or Refrigeration, with strong working knowledge of hotel systems and BMS
• A solid understanding of UK Health & Safety, Fire Safety and Building Safety legislation
• Proven experience managing and developing a visible, multi-skilled engineering team
• Strong financial acumen including management of operating budgets and Capex
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex engineering or refurbishment projects
• Exceptional communication skills with the confidence to build strong relationships at all levels of the business

You will be highly organised, detail focused and commercially aware, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and thrive in a high-energy, culturally driven environment. If you think you have what it takes to be our Director of Engineering at The Standard, London, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required prior to commencing employment.