The Role
Leads pre-opening technical handover, commissioning, operational readiness, and long-term maintenance for a luxury hotel. Oversees MEP, HVAC, life safety, structural systems, amenities, contractors, asset registers, maintenance platforms, budgets, sustainability initiatives, compliance, and risk management. Builds and manages the engineering department, establishes preventive maintenance and emergency procedures, and ensures municipal and corporate standards are met.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Director of Engineering oversees the technical hand-over, operational testing, commissioning, and long-term facility preservation of the luxury property. During the pre-opening phase, this role serves as the primary technical liaison between project developers, consultants, contractors, local authorities, and the hotel operating team.
The position ensures that all MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), HVAC, life safety systems, structural assets, and high-spec luxury amenities (such as infinity pools, sky lounges, and spa facilities) are delivered to Kempinski standards, local municipal regulations, and corporate sustainability guidelines before opening to guests.
Key Responsibilities
How You Will Make a Difference; What We’re Looking For
Pre-Opening, Commissioning & Handover
Pre-Opening, Commissioning & Handover
- Represent the operator in all site inspections, snagging processes, testing, and commissioning of physical plant, MEP equipment, vertical transportation (elevators), and life safety infrastructure.
- Review architectural and MEP drawings, operational operation & maintenance (O&M) manuals, warranty agreements, and as-built plans prior to property acceptance.
- Coordinate system performance evaluations alongside main contractors to verify compliance with local environmental.
- Establish asset registries and implement a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) or Property Management Maintenance System (PMMS) from scratch.
Departmental Operations & Team Leadership
- Build, recruit, and structure the engineering department, selecting qualified shift engineers, technicians, and specialized craftsmen.
- Develop Departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emergency response workflows, and safety protocols in line with corporate standards.
- Establish preventive maintenance programs (PMP) for all major equipment, guest rooms, public spaces, back-of-house (BOH) zones, and exterior infrastructure.
- Conduct technical and life-safety training programs for engineering staff and cross-departmental teams.
Financial, Energy & Sustainability Management
- Prepare and manage the engineering operating budget, capital expenditure (CapEx) plan, pre-opening departmental launch budgets, and utility consumption models.
- Monitor energy, water, and fuel usage; design and implement energy-saving and carbon-reduction initiatives.
- Negotiate, execute, and monitor third-party service and maintenance contracts (e.g., chillers, fire suppression systems, elevators, pool maintenance, high-voltage systems).
Safety, Compliance & Asset Protection
- Serve as the hotel’s lead technical authority on Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) systems, ensuring total readiness for internal audits and municipal certifications.
- Implement risk management policies to protect the physical asset against environmental degradation, water damage, electrical risks, and structural wear.
- Oversee sustainability compliance (e.g., EarthCheck or equivalent certification programs required by corporate standards).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
What Makes You a Great Fit; Who We’re Looking For
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: Minimum 5–8 years as a Director of Engineering / Chief Engineer in a 5-star luxury hotel or integrated resort environment.
- Demonstrated track record in a pre-opening capacity (taking a hotel property from construction phase/handover through to operational launch).
- Regional Experience: Middle East / GCC market experience highly preferred; familiarity with Bahrain Civil Defence, EWA regulations, and local vendor ecosystems is a strong advantage.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of central HVAC plant operations, BMS systems, desalination/water treatment, emergency generators, high-voltage networks, and advanced FLS protocols.
- Languages: Business fluency in English is mandatory; conversational Arabic is a plus.
- Competencies: Strong contractor management capabilities, commercial budget planning, Crisis Management Leadership, and cross-functional team management.
Why Join Kempinski
Kempinski emphasises talent development and offers career progression within its global network, with properties in over 30 countries. There are opportunities to work in diverse cultural environments whilst continuing your professional growth. We are proud to foster a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Be part of a legacy, build your future. Discover the possibilities at Kempinski.
Be part of a legacy, build your future. Discover the possibilities at Kempinski.
About
Founded in Germany in 1897, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, Kempinski is synonymous with distinctive luxury.Located in many of the world's most well-known cities and resorts, the Kempinski collection includes hotels in a grand manner, pace-setting modern establishments and older hotels of individual charm. All blend gracefully into their surroundings and offer luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and unrivalled facilities - complemented by impeccable service.For leisure and business guests alike, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, mobility and efficiency. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning individual.In addition to operating many of the finest city hotels in the world, Kempinski is a name that can now be found in many exciting resort locations, each combining local flair and ambience with the international standards of service and luxury that Kempinski guests have come to expect.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a related technical discipline
- 5–8 years of experience as a Director of Engineering or Chief Engineer in a five-star luxury hotel or integrated resort
- Pre-opening experience taking a hotel property from construction handover through operational launch
- Business fluency in English
- Middle East or GCC market experience
- Familiarity with Bahrain Civil Defence, EWA regulations, and local vendor ecosystems
- Knowledge of central HVAC plant operations, BMS systems, desalination and water treatment, emergency generators, high-voltage networks, and advanced fire and life safety protocols
- Conversational Arabic
- Strong contractor management, commercial budget planning, crisis management leadership, and cross-functional team management skills
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The Company
What We Do
Kempinski Hotels is a German luxury hotel management company, recognized as Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, operating upscale hotels worldwide and focusing on creating memorable guest experiences.
