The Role
Leads the pre-opening deployment and ongoing operation of hotel technology infrastructure. Oversees hospitality systems, networks, servers, cybersecurity, compliance, disaster recovery, vendor contracts, budgets, technical support, staff training, and IT team leadership. Ensures infrastructure meets Kempinski standards, PCI-DSS requirements, and Bahrain data protection regulations while maintaining high availability across guest and back-of-house operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
Leads the strategy, installation, deployment, security, and ongoing management of all technology infrastructure for the luxury property during its pre-opening phase and into full operations. The role acts as the primary technical authority ensuring all hotel infrastructure meets Kempinski brand standards, local data regulations, and municipal compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening Technology Deployment & Handover
- Oversee the complete lifecycle of IT setup, including hardware installation, software configuration, system integration, and rigorous testing prior to launch.
- Deploy core hospitality systems: Opera PMS, Simphony POS, Revenue Management Systems (RMS), Electronic Keycard Access, Guest Wi-Fi (HSIA), PABX/Telephony, and IPTV systems.
- Work closely with MEP contractors, network consultants, and site developers during cable laying, server room setup, network rack installation, and commissioning.
Infrastructure, Uptime & Operations
- Design and implement local high-availability network architectures (Cisco networking, Microsoft Server environments, VLANs, and firewall configurations).
- Establish preventive maintenance and 24/7 technical support operations to ensure continuous system uptime across guest and Back-of-House (BOH) zones.
Data Security, Compliance & Disaster Recovery
- Implement end-to-end cybersecurity protocols, role-based access controls, data backup frameworks, and business continuity/disaster recovery plans.
- Ensure strict adherence to Kempinski corporate IT standards, PCI-DSS payment security compliance, and Bahrain local data protection regulations.
Vendor, Procurement & Budget Management
- Administer vendor SLAs, software licensing, system warranties, and maintenance contracts.
- Manage departmental Operating Expenses (OpEx) and pre-opening Capital Expenditure (CapEx) budgets for all hardware and tech acquisitions.
User Support, Training & Team Leadership
- Recruit, onboard, and train the IT support team.
- Establish helpdesk workflows and deliver hotel-wide staff training on PMS/POS usage, core operational software, and cybersecurity awareness.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
What Makes You a Great Fit; Who We’re Looking For
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum 3–5+ years in an IT leadership role within a luxury hotel environment. Proven pre-opening hotel installation experience is strongly preferred.
Technical Mastery:- Core Hospitality Systems: Opera PMS, Oracle Simphony POS, Guest Wi-Fi management, IPTV, PABX.
- Network Infrastructure: Cisco switches/routers, enterprise firewalls, VLAN structuring, server virtualization (Hyper-V / VMware), Active Directory.
- Regional/Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Middle East / GCC telecom standards and Bahrain data privacy laws.
- Languages: Business fluency in English is mandatory; conversational Arabic is an advantage.
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 Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum 3-5+ years of experience in an IT leadership role within a luxury hotel environment
- Experience with hotel pre-opening technology installation and deployment
- Expertise with Opera PMS and Oracle Simphony POS
- Experience with guest Wi-Fi, IPTV, PABX, and electronic keycard systems
- Experience with Cisco switches and routers, enterprise firewalls, and VLANs
- Experience with Hyper-V or VMware server virtualization
- Experience with Active Directory and Microsoft Server environments
- Knowledge of Middle East/GCC telecom standards and Bahrain data privacy laws
- Business fluency in English
- Conversational Arabic
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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.
