Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Director of Engineering
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Director of Engineering leads all hotel engineering, maintenance, utilities, and building-services operations. Requirements typically include a degree or technical qualification in engineering, substantial experience in hotel or commercial-property engineering, strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, fire-safety, and energy systems, and familiarity with Japanese regulations. The candidate is expected to manage preventive and corrective maintenance, capital projects, contractors, budgets, and engineering staff while maintaining high standards of guest comfort, safety, sustainability, and legal compliance. Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, planning, and financial-management skills are essential. Experience with luxury hospitality, multicultural teams, and Japanese language or local regulatory practices would be advantageous.
Can I work in Japan?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Specified Skilled Worker visa for hotel line jobs: pass a skills test and basic Japanese (JLPT N4), then the employer sponsors you; no local-first test; 5 years at most.
Watch for: Pass the hotel skills test and basic Japanese (N4) first; you can sit both in Japan on a short stay. Ask whether room cleaning alone is covered: it is not among the listed jobs.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency: Specified Skilled Worker, accommodation field. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in Japan
Usual for Japan, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Dorm common at resorts and ryokan; employers must help skilled-worker hires find housing (by law) |
|---|---|
| Meals | Varies |
| Flights | Varies |
| Service charge | Varies; tipping is not customary in Japan |
| Contract | 5 years at most on the skilled-worker visa (by law); contract length and probation vary |
| Leave | 10 days' paid leave after 6 months, up to 20 after 6.5 years (by law); 16 national holidays |
| Income tax | National tax starts at 5% (top 45%); 10% local tax from year 2; social insurance about 15% of pay |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About Shangri-La Kyoto
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a luxury hospitality group founded in Hong Kong and recognized internationally for gracious service, comfortable accommodation, and Asian-inspired hospitality. The group operates hotels, resorts, and residences across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other global destinations. Shangri-La properties generally focus on premium guest experiences, refined dining, wellness, meetings, and personalized service. Employees typically work in multicultural environments with structured operating standards and opportunities for professional development. A senior engineering leader supports the property’s guest rooms, public areas, kitchens, plant rooms, utilities, safety systems, and long-term building performance. The company places strong emphasis on service quality, operational reliability, sustainability, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for guests and colleagues.