Area Director, Engineering

About Yas Plaza Hotels

Yas Plaza Hotels by IHG is a vibrant collection of six international hotels situated centrally on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This prime destination combines relaxation, luxury, and recreational activities, serving as the premier gateway to the Yas Island experience.

Role Overview

The Area Director of Engineering will lead and manage all repair, maintenance, and engineering functions across the entire Yas Plaza Hotels portfolio. This encompasses the care of physical infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment, including HVAC systems. The role also involves overseeing the daily functioning of the Engineering Department, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, and successful implementation of maintenance programs and projects. Additional duties may be assigned by management.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise engineering and maintenance activities across all Yas Plaza Hotels properties.
• Manage departmental budgets, control expenditures, and assist in annual budget preparation and capital expenditure plans aligned with hotel objectives.
• Collaborate with corporate procurement, engineering teams, architects, and contractors on renovations and capital projects; review bids, coordinate construction, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with quality standards.
• Lead technical project teams and manage project scope, cost, and scheduling from conception to implementation for multidisciplinary capital projects within Yas Plaza Hotels.
• Provide managerial and technical leadership to maximize project effectiveness and support strategic goals.
• Take on additional management-assigned projects supporting business aims.
• Develop staff capabilities via coaching, feedback, and goal setting; recognize exceptional performance.
• Oversee physical operations including maintenance of buildings, guest rooms, kitchen and laundry equipment, HVAC, water treatment, pools, and lighting.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are implemented effectively for guest rooms, public spaces, and life safety systems, coordinating with other hotel departments.
• Develop and maintain procedures to protect hotel inventories and assets; ensure timely replenishment and minimize waste.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of spare parts and maintenance supplies, supporting sustainability initiatives.
• Supervise contractors and service providers; prepare specifications complying with local regulations and standards; inspect and approve works.
• Maintain all life safety systems, promptly addressing any major issues.
• Keep engineering and maintenance documentation accurate and current, including technical drawings and manuals.
• Identify and implement energy-saving measures; monitor consumption and suggest efficiency improvements.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices aligned with environmental goals of Yas Plaza Hotels.
• Advise the General Manager on building conditions, risks, and maintenance needs.
• Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety policies; promote safe working practices to protect guests, staff, and the environment.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in engineering, ideally within the hospitality sector.
• Proven expertise managing extensive hotel engineering and maintenance operations.
• Strong capability to plan and execute complex engineering projects within budget and timelines.
• Skilled in engineering software, technical applications, and design programs relevant to the field.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making competencies.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, and optimizing departmental expenditures.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is committed to diversity and inclusion and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure equitable access for all applicants. Confidentiality of applicant data is assured and reasonable accommodations can be requested.

Company Culture

Joining Yas Plaza Hotels means becoming part of an inspiring and innovative hospitality environment driven by excellence, where your passion helps craft exceptional guest experiences on the dynamic Yas Island.