Director of Engineering

About the role

Sofitel Riyadh, a five-star hotel and convention center, is looking for a Director of Engineering to lead and oversee all engineering and maintenance operations. The role ensures the highest standards of safety, efficiency and operational excellence across hotel facilities and equipment, and involves guiding the Engineering team and collaborating with other departments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Engineering Department, ensuring efficient daily operations and compliance with hotel standards.
• Develop, implement and monitor preventive maintenance programs for guest rooms, public areas, meeting and convention facilities and technical systems.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance and reliability of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other critical systems.
• Ensure prompt responses to maintenance requests and minimize disruption to operations.
• Prepare, manage and monitor the departmental budget, and monitor energy and water consumption to support sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, fire and life safety regulations, occupational health and safety standards and local requirements.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response, and manage service contracts, contractors and suppliers.
• Oversee recruitment, scheduling, performance management, training and development of Engineering staff.
• Conduct regular inspections, coordinate audits and risk management, and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Work with Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Culinary and Events, and take part in management meetings.

Required profile

• Proven leadership experience in engineering or facilities management in luxury hotels, resorts or large hospitality environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing engineering operations in an established luxury hotel.
• Relevant qualification in Engineering, Building Services, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with large-scale hotels with extensive meeting, conference and convention facilities is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Technical expertise in engineering operations, preventive maintenance and asset lifecycle planning.
• Budget management, CAPEX planning, contract management and cost optimization.
• Knowledge of building codes, fire and life safety regulations and the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense standards.
• Emergency preparedness, risk management and CMMS proficiency.
• Microsoft Office.