Here at Whitbread, we're looking for a Smart Buildings Technical Lead to help shape the future of smart operations across our hotel estate. This is a product-led role focused on emerging technologies ...
Here at Whitbread, we're looking for a Smart Buildings Technical Lead to help shape the future of smart operations across our hotel estate. This is a product-led role focused on emerging technologies including robotics, automation, connected devices and IoT, helping us deliver innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency and team experience.
This is not a large-scale programme leadership position. Instead, you'll act as the bridge between technology and business, translating complex technical concepts into clear product vision, strategy and value. You'll work closely with technical teams, suppliers and senior stakeholders to ensure solutions are scalable, future-proof and aligned to business needs.
Role: Technical Lead - SmartBuildings
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Location: Whitbread Court, Dunstable (Hybrid, 3 days per week)
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Healthcare: Family BUPA healthcare
- 10% matched pension
- Discounts: Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and 25% discount on our Restaurant brand
- Annual Incentive of up to 30% Bonus
Check out all our benefits here: https://www.whitbreadcareers.com/about-us/benefits/
What you’ll be doing:
You'll lead the product direction for smart building technologies, including robotics, automation, connected devices and IoT solutions. Working with engineering, architecture and operational stakeholders, you'll define product roadmaps, shape requirements and help identify opportunities where technology can improve hotel operations.
A key part of the role will be turning complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes. You'll explain how technology decisions, design patterns and architectural approaches create value, balancing immediate business needs with long-term scalability and sustainability.
You'll engage with senior stakeholders across the business, providing clear, concise updates and building confidence in the direction of our smart operations strategy. You'll also bring external perspectives and innovation, helping us learn from leading organisations across retail, logistics, automation and connected environments.
What you’ll need:
- Experience working with smart building, automation, robotics, connected devices or IoT technologies.
- A strong understanding of software products and technology delivery.
- The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills.
- A natural curiosity for emerging technologies and a passion for learning.
Be part of our Technology Team at Whitbread
Through collaboration, passion and hiring the smartest minds, our Technology team builds products and services that are used by 38,000 of us at Whitbread and millions of guests. Everything from an eCommerce website that handles £2 billion in transactions per year, applications that are scalable across our 1,200 hotel and restaurants, devices that enable our teams and guests to have a seamless experience, all whilst keeping data secure. Together we’re building the hotel of the future.
We believe that everyone is unique and there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation that values diversity and welcomes your application whatever your background or situation.
Under-represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities & members of the LGBTQIA+ community (those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and non-binary or those who use a different LGBTQIA+ term), are strongly encouraged to build a career with us. Speak to us about workplace adjustments, part-time and flexible working. Where possible we will support this.
Job ref: 211308-4492
Advertised: 14 Sep 2026
