Director of Engineering, Island Services (Infrastructure & Ops)

Jumby Bay Island seeks a seasoned Director of Engineering to lead all infrastructure, utilities and engineering operations for a private island.

Jumby Bay Island seeks a seasoned Director of Engineering to lead all infrastructure, utilities and engineering operations for a private island resort. This is an executive, hands-on role for an experienced leader who combines deep technical expertise (mechanical, electrical, marine, water/wastewater, and construction) with strong operational and financial management skills. The Director of Engineering will ensure safe, reliable, and world-class infrastructure performance in a remote island environment.

Essential Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership of Island Services, including direct oversight of the head of the Utilities department and head of the Property Maintenance department, plus Engineering, Maintenance and Marine teams; recruit, coach and develop staff.
• Oversee operation, maintenance and capital planning for utilities and critical plants (power generation, RO/desalination, water distribution, sewage treatment), buildings, roads, and marine assets (including barge operations).
• Lead mechanical, electrical and marine maintenance programs; define and enforce safety, quality and SOP standards across all teams.
• Own infrastructure budgets, operating costs, capex forecasting, procurement and spare‑parts inventory control; set financial targets and ensure accountability through direct reports.
• Direct construction and renovation projects; manage contractors, schedules and technical compliance.
• Implement preventive maintenance systems, condition monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives across utilities and property maintenance functions.
• Ensure regulatory, environmental and H&S compliance for all infrastructure, utility and property operations.
• Act as senior technical advisor to island leadership and liaise with external vendors, insurers and consultants, holding functional leaders to delivery and performance expectations.

Essential Competencies

• Strategic leader and mentor: proven ability to coach, develop and inspire teams at all levels — from line technicians to functional heads — fostering accountability, pride in workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Influential communicator: communicates clearly and persuasively across audiences (line staff, contractors, homeowners and senior leadership); adapts style to inform, motivate and secure buy-in.
• Financial stewardship & commercial acumen: owns infrastructure budgets, cost control and capex planning; understands revenue/expense drivers and delivers cost-effective solutions.
• Contracting & procurement partnership: experienced negotiating commercial terms with vendors alongside the Head of Procurement; capable of structuring and reviewing project contracts, scopes and payment terms in collaboration with the dead of the Finance Department.
• Results-oriented operator: delivers high-quality outcomes with attention to detail, a strong sense of urgency and the ability to make timely, pragmatic decisions under pressure.
• Collaborative and pragmatic: builds productive working relationships with tradespeople, contractors and cross-functional partners to drive safe, efficient delivery.
• Unwavering professionalism: exercises discretion, confidentiality, integrity and tact when handling sensitive matters or representing the island externally.
• Self-motivated and accountable: organized, dependable and able to operate independently while holding direct reports to clear performance expectations.
• Continuous learner: actively pursues professional development and stays current with industry best practices, regulatory changes and relevant technologies.

Experience/Education

• Proven experience in remote/private‑island or similarly isolated operations (essential), including successful prior assignments in the Caribbean region (required).
• Minimum 15 years of progressive engineering leadership, including management of large teams (30+ direct or indirect reports).
• At least 10 years’ hands‑on experience with electrical systems and water/wastewater plant operations.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing construction projects and capital works programs.
• Demonstrated competence with maintenance management and remote‑operations software (CMMS, condition monitoring, PLC/SCADA interfaces).
• Strong technical software literacy from an engineering perspective, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and diagnostic/control software.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with procurement, finance and external vendors on contract negotiations, vendor management and project delivery.
• Technical diploma/degree in engineering or equivalent; relevant certifications desirable.