Director of Engineering - Project Manager (Taskforce)

Overview

Position Summary

Canyon Ranch Austin is seeking a seasoned, results-oriented Director of Engineering - Project Manager on a short-term taskforce basis to lead all construction completion, systems commissioning, and facilities readiness activities for the pre-opening of a landmark luxury wellness resort opening Fall 2026. This role serves as the on-site owner's representative and operational liaison, ensuring that every inch of the new-build property is delivered to Canyon Ranch brand standards, Forbes Travel Guide expectations, and full regulatory compliance - on time and on budget.

The ideal candidate brings deep hospitality engineering leadership experience, a proven track record in luxury new-build or major renovation openings, and the credibility to partner effectively with ownership, general contractors, design teams, and department heads. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with a defined end state: a flawlessly opening resort.

About the Engagement

Canyon Ranch Austin is a ground-up new build scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The Director of Engineering - Project Manager (Taskforce) is brought on specifically to:

• Bridge construction punch-list completion and operational readiness
• Serve as a point of accountability for Canyon Ranch with all landscaping, construction, and architecture project deadlines and owner scoped tasks and projects
• Build and lead the property Engineering department from the ground up, including landscaping, maintenance technicians and security colleagues
• Translate contractor deliverables into guest-ready, luxury-standard operations
• Ensure seamless handoff from development to ongoing property management

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities Include:

Construction Completion & Owner's Representation

• Serve as Canyon Ranch's on-site owner's representative during final construction, punch-list, and commissioning phases
• Coordinate directly with the general contractor, subcontractors, and design consultants to drive schedule adherence
• Attend and lead all OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) meetings; prepare and distribute meeting minutes and action logs and ensure deliverables are met in a timely fashion
• Manage the master punch-list process, ensuring deficiencies are remediated prior to guest arrival

Systems Commissioning & Technical Readiness

• Oversee commissioning, testing, and acceptance of all MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), HVAC, fire life safety, elevators, building automation systems (BAS), and specialty wellness equipment
• Coordinate utility connections and confirm all permits, certificates of occupancy (COs), and operational licenses are obtained
• Establish preventive maintenance programs, equipment schedules, and asset registers prior to opening
• Ensure all equipment warranties, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings are collected and organized for ongoing operations
• Lead utility metering, sustainability benchmarking, and energy management baseline setup

Department Build-Out & Team Leadership

• Recruit, interview, and select the property Engineering team, including Assistant Director of Engineering, maintenance technicians, landscaping, and security colleagues
• Partner with HR and Learning & Development Manager to develop onboarding plans, training curricula, and task checklists for Engineering colleagues
• Establish department operating procedures, emergency response protocols, and safety programs
• Foster a culture of proactive maintenance, precision, and luxury service mindset within the Engineering team

Pre-Opening Project Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive pre-opening Engineering checklist and milestone tracker from contract execution through Day 1 operations
• Manage the Engineering pre-opening budget, track expenditures, and flag variances with recommended actions
• Coordinate FF&E and OS&E receiving, installation inspection, and placement in collaboration with Design and department heads
• Partner with IT, Security, and AV vendors to ensure full integration of technology systems

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Act as the primary engineering liaison between the Managing Director, Project Manager, SVP of Development, and all operational departments
• Produce regular written status reports on construction progress, open issues, and risk mitigation for senior leadership
• Collaborate with Rooms, Spa, Food & Beverage, and Health + Performance leadership to ensure all spaces meet Forbes Travel Guide and brand standards

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering or facilities management experience in luxury hotel, resort, or high-end commercial environments
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a pre-opening, new-build, or major renovation project leadership role
• Demonstrated experience managing construction completion, commissioning, and handover on projects of comparable scale and complexity
• Proven ability to recruit, build, and lead high-performing engineering or facilities teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within luxury hotel or resort brands with Forbes Travel Guide Four- or Five-Star positioning
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation
• Familiarity with Canyon Ranch brand standards, wellness resort operations, or spa/wellness facility systems
• OSHA 30-hour certification or equivalent safety credential
• Experience with LEED, WELL Building Standard, or green building certification processes

Technical Competencies

• Deep working knowledge of MEP systems, building automation, fire suppression, elevators, and hospitality-grade HVAC
• Proficiency with project management tools (Procore, MS Project, Buildertrend, or equivalent)
• Ability to read, interpret, and redline architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
• Strong understanding of local building codes, ADA requirements, fire and life safety regulations, and health department standards
• Comfort working within a luxury guest-experience context where technical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity coexist

What We're Looking For

• Treats the property as if it were their own; anticipates issues before they become crises: Ownership Mindset
• Drives results with urgency, discipline, and attention to detail in a compressed pre-opening timeline: Execution Excellence
• Builds credibility and trust with contractors, brand, and fellow department heads alike: Collaborative Leadership
• Translates complex technical information into clear, actionable language for non-technical audiences: Communication Clarity
• Maintains composure and sound judgment when managing competing priorities and last-minute changes: Calm Under Pressure
• Understands that engineering excellence in a Forbes-caliber environment means invisible, flawless infrastructure - never visible deficiency: Luxury Sensibility

LOCATION: This position will be onsite in Spicewood, TX