Director of Engineering

About the role

Responsible for the overall management of the hotel's Engineering & Maintenance Department, ensuring all building systems, equipment and facilities are safe, reliable, efficient and well maintained. The Director of Engineering is responsible for preventive maintenance, Fire Life Safety, energy management, sustainability, budget and CAPEX, AEI projects, statutory compliance and emergency response, while ensuring engineering operations support the hotel's operational and guest service requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Engineering & Maintenance team, including preventive maintenance, daily repairs and overall upkeep of hotel facilities, equipment and building systems.
• Ensure all MEP systems, kitchen equipment, BMS, emergency power, Fire Life Safety systems and other critical equipment are properly maintained, tested and kept in good working condition.
• Establish and monitor effective preventive maintenance and asset replacement programmes to improve equipment reliability, extend asset lifespan and reduce breakdowns and operating costs.
• Manage the department's operating budget and CAPEX, including equipment replacement, system upgrades, energy-saving initiatives and major engineering projects.
• Lead and oversee the engineering requirements for the hotel's Asset Enhancement Initiative (AEI), including technical planning, MEP works, equipment upgrades, budget, timeline, safety, testing, commissioning and handover, while minimising disruption to hotel operations.
• Drive the hotel's energy conservation and sustainability initiatives, including monitoring electricity, water and gas consumption, improving plant efficiency and supporting BCA Green Mark and corporate ESG requirements.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety, Fire Life Safety, environmental, statutory and local authority requirements, and conduct regular inspections, audits and follow-up on corrective actions.
• Lead engineering response during emergencies and crisis situations, including power failures, fire alarms and major equipment breakdowns, and ensure all emergency systems are operational and ready at all times.
• Work closely with the General Manager, hotel management, consultants, contractors, vendors and relevant authorities on engineering, project, compliance and operational matters.
• Develop and train the Engineering team, ensuring appropriate technical competency, safety awareness, emergency preparedness and succession planning within the department.

About you

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services Engineering or other relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant hotel engineering or facilities management experience, with experience in a senior leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge of hotel building systems, MEP, preventive maintenance, BMS, Fire Life Safety and energy management systems.
• Hands-on experience in hotel engineering operations, maintenance, equipment troubleshooting and project management.
• Experience in budget preparation, CAPEX planning, asset enhancement or renovation projects would be an advantage.
• Good knowledge of workplace safety, statutory compliance, energy conservation and sustainability requirements, including BCA Green Mark.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage emergencies and operational challenges effectively.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with management, colleagues, consultants, contractors, vendors and regulatory authorities.
• Flexible and adaptable, with willingness to work outside normal hours, weekends or standby duty when operationally required.