Director of Engineering - InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

The Opportunity

At InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, every day begins with ocean views and the spirit of true hospitality. Live, work, and thrive on one of the iconic 74 Whitsunday Islands, where a rewarding career meets an extraordinary island lifestyle—delivering and inspiring incredible experiences for our guests and colleagues alike. 

Lead the Engineering Vision of a World-Class Island Resort

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic luxury island resorts. As Director of Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in protecting and elevating the resort experience through exceptional engineering leadership, asset stewardship and operational excellence.

As a key member of the Executive Committee, you will lead the strategic and day-to-day direction of the Engineering function, taking ownership of the performance, reliability and presentation of the resort’s buildings, facilities, plant and critical infrastructure. From guest rooms, restaurants and bars to pools, recreational facilities and colleague areas, your leadership will ensure every element of Hayman performs at the level expected of a world-class luxury destination and in line with InterContinental brand standards.

What makes this opportunity truly unique is the complexity and scale of operating a luxury resort on a remote island. You will oversee critical infrastructure including power generation and distribution, desalination and water production, wastewater and sewerage, waste management, central plant, the colleague village and marine infrastructure ensuring the systems behind the experience are as exceptional as the experience itself.

A strong focus on preventative maintenance, asset longevity and proactive risk management will be central to your success. You will lead a high-performing Repairs & Maintenance program, identifying opportunities before they become operational issues and ensuring our resort assets are protected for the long term.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic executive leadership with hands-on operational impact. Working closely with the General Manager and fellow Executive Committee members, you will provide trusted advice on asset condition, infrastructure risk, capital priorities and future investment helping shape the continued evolution of Hayman as one of Australia’s premier luxury resort destinations.

See Yourself in Our Team

To be successful in this role, you’ll have:

• Significant senior Engineering leadership experience within a complex, asset-intensive hotel, resort or comparable operating environment.

• Proven experience at Director of Engineering, senior Chief Engineer or equivalent level, ideally within luxury hospitality or a large resort environment.

• Strong technical knowledge across major building services, plant, electrical and mechanical systems, HVAC and refrigeration, utilities and critical infrastructure.

• Demonstrated expertise in Repairs & Maintenance, preventative maintenance and asset lifecycle management.

• Proven experience developing and managing significant CAPEX programs and complex Engineering projects.

• Strong commercial and financial capability including budgeting, utilities, procurement and contract management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary Engineering and trades teams.

• Strong understanding of relevant Australian technical, legislative and compliance requirements.

• Strong executive communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to operate effectively in a remote environment where forward planning, resilience and infrastructure reliability are critical.

• Relevant tertiary, trade or professional Engineering qualifications and licenses appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.

• Luxury hotel, resort, island or remote infrastructure experience will be highly regarded.

• Join a vibrant and diverse team, making lifelong friendships, and become part of an unforgettable island community. 

Live the Island Life 

• We make island living convenient and affordable with subsidised staff accommodation and meals. We also offer dedicated staff facilities - pool, beach, gym, bar, diner, laundry, and more. 

• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Whitsundays after your shift or on your days off.

• Your commute ends in paradise, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking ocean views just moments away. 

• Grow your career with opportunities for career growth, training, and professional development. 

• Enjoy exclusive employee, friends, and family discount rates across our InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. 

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, religions, genders, gender identities and sexual orientations. We pride ourselves on a diverse and family friendly environment, and welcome applicants with primary school aged children as our island offers a State Primary School. 

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we're here to support you.

Ready to Work in Paradise

• Please visit our Careers Page for all details regarding living and working on Hayman Island at: https://haymanisland.intercontinental.com/careers/ or click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

• We also invite you to learn more by following our social channels:

  • Facebook via @ICHIRcareers and Instagram via @ihg_australia_careers

Applications close on 16 September 2026. We will be reviewing and contacting candidates throughout the advertising period. This application will close earlier if the position is filled.