The Senior Director of Engineering is responsible for leadership, strategy and performance of all engineering systems across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and specialty assets. You will ensure optimal performance, safety, sustainability, and efficiency of complex mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and smart home systems at all times.

This role is a leadership position accountable for building high performing engineering organizations, establishing operational excellence, and ensuring long-term asset stewardship. The Senior Director will set standards, develop leaders and drive alignment across engineering.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineering executive with a deep expertise in complex environments, exceptional leadership capability, and a strong service orientation. This individual will operate with a high degree of judgement and discretion while delivering reliable, efficient, and forward thinking engineering solutions that support the family’s lifestyle and long term vision. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a portfolio wide engineering strategy aligned to long term asset preservation and operational excellence
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing infrastructure, risk and capital planning decisions
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, operating procedures, and preventive maintenance programs
• Serve as the primary advisor on engineering infrastructure, risk mitigation, and capital planning
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across the portfolio
• Partner with Design and Construction on all new build projects and infrastructure upgrades

Engineering Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee the performance, reliability, and maintenance of all building systems, including:
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems
• Power generation, backup power, and energy storage solutions
• Water treatment, irrigation, and environmental systems
• Elevators, pools, waste water treatment plants and specialty estate features
• Smart home and building automation technologies (BMS) 
• Establish and enforce forward thinking operation standards and preventive maintenance programs
• Establish and oversee a 24/7 operational coverage model, including on-call rotation, escalation protocols, and principal-presence readiness across all properties.
• Ensure consistent execution across properties, balancing standardization with property specific needs
• Implement and manage computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and asset lifecycle programs

Capital Projects & Development

• Partner with real estate, design, and construction teams on new builds, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades
• Provide engineering oversight from concept through commissioning and turnover
• Lead technical due diligence, feasibility studies, and value engineering initiatives
• Oversee commissioning, quality assurance, and system performance validation

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, multi-layered organization, including hiring, structuring, and scaling teams as the portfolio continues to grow
• Coach, develop and mentor an internal engineering team (including engineering managers, chief engineers, and facility maintenance) across the organization 
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, safety, and service
• Lead through influence across distributed teams and geographies, ensuring consistency in standards and execution
• Develop training programs and succession plans to ensure operational continuity
• Establish role expectations, performance standards and evaluate team effectiveness 
• Collaborate closely with other family office functions, including finance, legal, and most importantly property operations which consists of; house manager, housekeeping, culinary, schools and childcare

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and service providers. 
• Negotiate service agreements including setting clear expectations and accountability for vendor performance
• Collaborate closely with estate managers, security teams, design and construction and household staff
• Coordinate with external engineers, architects, and regulatory agencies

Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets across the portfolio
• Oversee procurement, contract negotiations, and cost controls
• Forecast long-term capital expenditures and lifecycle replacement plans
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards
• Oversee emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning
• Implement and monitor safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies
• Maintain proper documentation, certifications, and inspection records

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience. 

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience
• Experience managing complex, high-value residential homes and class A office buildings
• Proven success overseeing multi-property portfolios and large-scale capital projects
• Strong expertise in smart home technologies and BMS systems

Key Competencies

• Accountability - Take full ownership of outcomes, sets a high bar, and holds team to it
• Alignment - Breaks down silos and drives collaboration across functions and geographies
• Authenticity - Communicates with clarity, discretion, and trust-building transparency
• Achievement - Invests in developing people and building long-term organizational capability
• Adaptability - Navigates ambiguity, evolving priorities, and complex environments with agility
• Judgement & Discretion - Exercises exceptional decision-making in a high-confidentiality environment
• Service Leadership - Models a silent service mindset anticipating needs without being intrusive

Work Environment & Expectations

• Frequent domestic and international travel between properties and project sites, with availability to support principal presence and active technical milestones across time zones
• Availability to support time-sensitive projects and family needs
• Combination of office-based, field-based, and on-site engagement

Impact

This role is instrumental in maintaining the family’s environments, ensuring each property is thoughtfully and impeccably maintained. The Senior Director serves as a steward of the family’s assets, delivering enduring quality, comfort, and value across generations.