Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Job Summary: The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of all hotel physical structures, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems. This role leads the Engineering team, manages budgets, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and implements energy management and preventive maintenance programs.

Essential Functions

• Conduct regular walk-throughs to visually assess the safe and efficient maintenance and operation of the hotel's physical structures and all mechanical, electrical, HVAC systems and related equipment.
• Verify completion of all routine maintenance on public spaces, meeting rooms, ballrooms, outlets, back-of-house areas, and external spaces. Ensure all repairs, replacements, and renovation projects throughout the hotel are completed.
• Assist in hiring, training, development, supervision, and discipline of all Engineering Department staff, including duty engineers, plumbers, painters, joiners, and apprentices.
• Adhere to all corporate purchasing policies and controls, including outside contractor bids, budgets, and schedules. Comply with all Health & Safety and other Company policies. Follow prescribed safety procedures for personnel, contractors, and equipment at all times.
• Maintain effective Energy Management and Preventive Maintenance programs. Conduct special training for other operating departments on safe and efficient use of equipment and energy.
• Regularly inform the General Manager and senior managers about the condition of the building structure(s), related systems, and equipment, providing prudent, cost-effective proposals for maintenance. Access and input information via computer and generate required reports.

Supportive Functions – Key Tasks

• Manage day-to-day activities of the Engineering team in conjunction with the Assistant Chief Engineer.
• Prepare the annual R&M Budget, Utilities Budget, and Capital Budget; monitor to ensure costs stay within budgeted limits.
• Prepare all Capital Project Releases and coordinate all related work.
• Prepare technical data, bid documents, and project work for alterations, maintaining knowledge of building regulations and codes.
• Prepare, update, and implement the Training Matrix and Standard Operating Procedures within the department.
• Create department manpower schedules based on hotel business demands; oversee daily and weekly rosters.
• Design, maintain, and ensure the planned preventive maintenance program for the building, plant, and equipment is operational to maintain high GSI and ASI comfort and safety levels.
• Ensure work schedules are prioritized according to guest needs.
• Ensure full utilization of Maximo by the engineering team and hotel departments.
• Supervise and control line staff and contractors to ensure optimal performance, efficient and safe working procedures, and compliance with all legislative standards.
• Review, revise, update, and implement Security and Safety procedures in line with legal requirements and Accor Corporate Hotel Policy.
• Conduct regular Fire Safety inspections within the buildings, liaising with the Fire Department as necessary; ensure fire doors and corridors are effective and safe.
• Supervise and maintain the key systems in the hotel and spa in conjunction with the Information Systems Manager; maintain and issue keys, implement authority levels, and ensure electronic lock systems are fully functional.
• Implement and actively supervise the hotel's energy management programs.
• Oversee water treatment programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in hotel engineering or facilities management, with at least 3 years in a Chief Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or Engineering Manager role.
• Previous experience in an international hotel chain is highly preferred.
• Experience managing engineering operations in a large hotel or multi-property environment is an added advantage.
• Proven experience in preventive maintenance, utilities management, CAPEX projects, and engineering budgets.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, generators, kitchen and laundry equipment, water treatment systems, and fire & life safety systems.
• Registered Engineer or membership in a recognized professional engineering body is an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of hotel engineering systems, preventive maintenance, building management systems (BMS), and statutory compliance.