Job Overview:
The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of all hotel equipment, systems, and facilities, ensuring that they are safe, operational, and in excellent condition. The role requires leadership, strong technical expertise, and a proactive approach to ensure the hotel's infrastructure supports an outstanding guest experience. The Chief Engineer works closely with senior management, as well as departments like housekeeping, front desk, and F&B, to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Supervise and coordinate the daily maintenance tasks of the hotel, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), water systems, elevators, and fire alarms.
Directly manage preventive maintenance (PM) schedules, ensuring all hotel systems undergo routine inspections and necessary servicing.
Identify and troubleshoot issues proactively before they escalate to avoid costly repairs and guest complaints.
Ensure all work is conducted according to the highest standards of safety, ensuring the comfort and security of hotel guests and staff.
Emergency Response and Problem-Solving:
Respond to urgent maintenance requests, such as equipment breakdowns, power failures, plumbing issues, and other critical situations, providing immediate solutions to minimize guest inconvenience.
Handle unexpected repair emergencies swiftly, often outside of regular working hours (including nights, weekends, and holidays), ensuring minimal impact on hotel operations.
Team Management and Training:
Manage, train, and lead a team of engineers, maintenance workers, and technicians. This includes recruiting, evaluating performance, setting goals, and conducting regular performance reviews.
Establish clear and effective communication with the team, ensuring tasks are assigned appropriately and completed on schedule.
Ensure the engineering team follows safety protocols, works in compliance with local regulations, and uses tools and equipment properly.
Create a culture of safety and accountability through ongoing education and teamwork.
Budgeting and Cost Control:
Develop and manage the engineering department’s budget, ensuring that the department operates within the allocated financial resources.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, such as energy-efficient upgrades or cost-effective suppliers, and make recommendations to hotel management.
Negotiate contracts with outside vendors for equipment purchases, maintenance services, and repairs, ensuring value for money and quality service.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability:
Lead energy conservation initiatives to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, such as implementing energy-efficient technologies and systems (LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, etc.).
Monitor the hotel’s utility consumption (electricity, water, gas) and propose improvements to reduce waste and increase operational efficiency.
Ensure that the hotel complies with all local environmental regulations and sustainable practices.
Safety and Compliance:
Regularly inspect the hotel’s facilities and systems to ensure compliance with safety regulations, local codes, and national building standards.
Conduct fire and safety drills for staff and coordinate emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring that all systems (sprinklers, alarms, fire exits) are operational.
Maintain and organize comprehensive records of inspections, repairs, maintenance logs, and safety checks for compliance audits.
Collaboration with Other Departments:
Work closely with the Front Office and Housekeeping departments to ensure any maintenance-related guest requests are handled promptly and discreetly.
Assist in preparing the hotel for large events or conferences by ensuring all infrastructure is set up and functioning correctly (AV equipment, lighting, temperature control, etc.).
Be involved in hotel planning and strategy meetings, advising management on technical and operational matters that affect the hotel’s performance or guest satisfaction.
Project Management and Renovations:
Lead or coordinate any renovation, remodeling, or upgrade projects within the hotel, such as refurbishing rooms or updating public areas, ensuring that such projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including budgets, timelines, vendor management, and ensuring that all systems and safety measures are accounted for.
Guest Experience and Communication:
Handle guest complaints related to maintenance issues in a professional and timely manner, resolving issues with minimal disruption to guests.
Proactively communicate with guests about planned maintenance, improvements, or any potential inconveniences to manage expectations.
Ensure that all technical issues are managed discreetly and that guests are not affected by any maintenance work, especially in guest rooms and common areas.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
Ability to work in various physical conditions, including exposure to hot, cold, noisy, or potentially hazardous environments.
Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment, tools, and materials.
Willingness to work odd hours, including nights and weekends, as emergencies or maintenance requests arise.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
Hilton Experience: Previous experience with Hilton hotels or familiarity with Hilton’s operational systems, brand standards, and culture is a plus.
Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and safety systems, particularly in large-scale hospitality properties is a plus.
Leadership Experience: Experience managing a team of engineers or technicians, with a focus on aligning commitment to excellence and hospitality.
Project Management: Experience overseeing renovation or large-scale projects within a Hilton or similar hotel brand environment, ensuring compliance with brand standards.
