Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the planning, setup, and management of all engineering and maintenance functions during the pre-opening and operational phases of the hotel. This includes overseeing the installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), HVAC, and building systems to ensure the property opens and operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with brand and statutory standards.

The role demands strong pre-opening project management experience, technical expertise, and the ability to build and lead a multidisciplinary engineering team that supports sustainable hotel operations.

Pre-Opening Phase

• Oversee the testing, commissioning, and handover of all plant, equipment, and building systems including: Electrical distribution and emergency power, HVAC systems, Water supply and plumbing, Fire alarm and suppression systems, Elevators, escalators, and building automation systems, Kitchen and laundry equipment.
• Prepare and manage the pre-opening engineering budget, including capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating supplies.
• Lead the procurement and installation of engineering tools, safety equipment, and maintenance software.
• Establish Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and energy management systems.
• Recruit, train, and develop the engineering team in preparation for opening.
• Conduct operational readiness checks and ensure compliance with local authority requirements (occupancy permits, safety certifications, etc.).
• Coordinate closely with the General Manager and department heads on pre-opening timelines, technical issues, and system readiness.

Post-Opening / Operational Phase

• Manage and oversee all daily engineering operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of hotel systems and facilities.
• Implement and monitor preventive and corrective maintenance programs for all mechanical and electrical systems, equipment, and building fabric.
• Maintain energy efficiency and cost control measures, monitoring consumption and optimizing sustainability practices.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as brand engineering standards.
• Lead troubleshooting and timely resolution of system breakdowns or emergencies.
• Oversee contracts and service providers, ensuring performance meets hotel standards.
• Maintain up-to-date asset records, technical documentation, and maintenance logs.
• Coordinate with other departments to minimize operational disruption during maintenance work.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house facilities.
• Support projects, renovations, and upgrades as needed.
• Drive a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the department.

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, (or equivalent technical qualification).
• Minimum 10 years of engineering and maintenance experience in the hospitality industry, including at least 3–5 years in a Chief Engineer or Assistant Chief Engineer role.
• Proven pre-opening hotel experience, including system commissioning and handover.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, MEP systems, electrical distribution, building automation, and fire safety systems.
• Demonstrated ability in project management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and energy monitoring tools.
• Sound knowledge of local building codes, health and safety regulations, and sustainability best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic pre-opening environment.

• Project and team leadership
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Budgeting and cost control
• Energy management and sustainability
• Health, safety, and compliance
• Vendor and contractor management
• Technical planning and documentation
• Training and staff development
• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Completion of pre-opening engineering deliverables on time and within budget
• Compliance with safety, brand, and statutory standards
• System uptime and reliability
• Energy efficiency and sustainability performance
• Guest and staff satisfaction related to facilities
• Preventive maintenance completion rates
• Departmental cost control and productivity