Job Description

The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading and managing all engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel property to ensure all facilities, systems, and equipment are operating safely, efficiently, and at high standards. The role combines strategic planning, technical oversight, people leadership, cost control, and coordination with other departments. The goal is to maximize guest satisfaction, maintain the property's physical asset value, ensure compliance, and support hotel operations seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Maintenance Leadership

Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance of all building systems: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), HVAC, elevators/escalators, fire safety, water systems, lighting, etc. Ensure engineering team and external contractors deliver work according to hotel standards, safety codes, and guest expectations. Conduct regular inspections in guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, and utility areas to ensure aesthetics, functionality, and safety.

Project & Renovation Management

Plan, lead, and execute renovation projects, upgrades, and refurbishments (guest rooms, public areas, technical systems). Coordinate with vendors, consultants, contractors for delivery, quality, scheduling and budget adherence. Oversee the implementation of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives (e.g. reducing energy consumption, water-saving measures, green certifications if applicable).

Team Management & Leadership

Lead and manage the engineering department staff: engineers, technicians, maintenance staff. Hire, train, coach, evaluate performance. Define roles, responsibilities, shift schedules, emergency response protocols. Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, accountability, and excellent service mindset.

Budgeting & Cost Control

Prepare and manage the engineering department's operating and capital budgets. Ensure cost-effective procurement of equipment, spares, tools, and contracts. Negotiate vendor contracts. Monitor utilities, maintenance costs, labour, and aim to optimize and control over expenditure without compromising on quality or safety.

Safety, Compliance & Standards

Ensure hotel complies with local building codes, safety regulations, fire codes, guest safety regulations, environmental laws, etc. Implement and maintain preventative maintenance programs, safety inspections, risk assessments. Maintain documentation, logbooks, equipment certifications, regulatory paperwork.

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

React promptly to issues affecting guest services (e.g., breakdowns, complaints). Ensure swift resolution with minimum disruption. Maintain quality and presentation of property (lighting, temperature, function of amenities). Collaborate with Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage etc., to ensure engineering contributes to overall guest satisfaction.

Strategic Planning & Technology

Develop long-term strategies for plant upkeep, technology upgrades, and system modernisation. Monitor trends in building engineering technologies, sustainability, smart building systems, etc., and recommend upgrades. Plan for asset lifecycle, depreciation, replacements.

Qualifications / Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services) or related discipline. Advanced qualifications or certifications are a plus. Significant experience (typically 8?12+ years) in hotel/large building engineering, including several years in a leadership / management role. Deep technical knowledge of MEP systems, HVAC, fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, lifts, etc. Strong knowledge of local building codes, safety regulations, mechanical & electrical regulations in UAE. Experience in preventive maintenance systems; tools & software for maintenance management. Financial acumen: budgeting, cost control, procurement. Leadership / people management skills: ability to lead teams, motivate, train, enforce accountability. Excellent communication skills, both with teams and with senior management.
Job Type: Full-time