Director of Engineering

Overview

This leadership role demands expert knowledge in high-level hotel maintenance, overseeing the upkeep of buildings, grounds, and mechanical systems with a strong emphasis on safety, security, and asset protection. The incumbent will manage budgets, capital projects, preventive maintenance, and energy conservation initiatives. Strategic plans must be developed and executed to deliver services that meet or exceed guest and staff expectations while maximizing financial outcomes. Compliance with standards and regulations is essential, alongside leading an emergency response team for all equipment issues.

Candidate Profile

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED with 6 years of experience in engineering maintenance or related fields, including technical training in HVAC refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing systems; or
• A two-year degree in construction, engineering, mechanical, or related fields from an accredited university, supplemented by 4 years of maintenance engineering experience and similar technical training.

Core Duties

Engineering Operations and Budget Management:

• Collaborate with hotel and regional engineering leadership to evaluate budget performance and communicate critical focus areas.
• Manage mechanical assets including equipment, refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, and electrical according to SOPs.
• Implement service contracts that support hotel operational needs.
• Ensure fire safety personnel have comprehensive knowledge of procedures, equipment, and alarms.
• Guide engineering leaders to effectively control controllable costs such as wages, energy, lighting, water, tools, equipment, supplies, uniforms, vendors, service agreements, and inventory.
• Develop engineering operational strategies aligned with hotel and brand business objectives.
• Prepare and oversee the engineering budget.
• Integrate departmental goals into actionable plans.
• Supervise long-term preventive maintenance and 10-year asset protection programs.
• Review financial reports to track departmental budget adherence and proactively address concerns with appropriate solutions.
• Communicate department goals clearly to achieve desired results.
• Oversee construction projects ensuring timely completion within budget guidelines.

Maintenance Standards:

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain fire safety systems such as fire equipment, sprinkler, and alarm systems.
• Confirm building and equipment permits, certifications, and approvals remain valid.
• Apply hotel policies fairly and consistently.

Profitability Management:

• Keep all operations within budget by analyzing operational reports, budget sheets, and payroll.
• Oversee and manage payroll functionality effectively.
• Control department expenses to meet or exceed budget targets.
• Participate in setting capital expenditure goals and manage projects as needed.
• Engage in budgeting processes relevant to responsibility areas.
• Generate weekly and period-end profit and loss assessments.
• Understand operational impacts on overall hotel financial goals and communicate pertinent information to staff.
• Audit and manage controllable expenses including utilities, supply, vendor agreements, and equipment.

Human Resources Responsibilities:

• Ensure employees receive fair treatment.
• Apply hotel policies uniformly and support disciplinary and peer review procedures as per SOPs and LSOPs.
• Utilize employee feedback and an open-door policy to address concerns promptly.
• Recognize and celebrate team achievements publicly.
• Handle guest complaints effectively.
• Escalate issues to HR when necessary.
• Maintain ongoing communication during engineering operations to clarify daily activities, set expectations, and enhance business awareness.

Additional Information

This position is based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, at 7044 Corniche Road, 2485 Ash Shati. It is a full-time, onsite management role. The hotel operates under a brand known for blending elegance with individuality, targeting discerning guests who value quality, creativity, design, and exceptional service without conformity. The employer is committed to equal opportunity employment and fosters an inclusive work environment that respects diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences.