Director of Engineering

Job Description

As Director of Engineering at Sofitel Riyadh, you will lead and oversee all engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and operational excellence throughout the hotel. You will be responsible for implementing effective preventive maintenance programs, maintaining the reliability of hotel facilities and equipment, and ensuring a safe, comfortable, and exceptional environment for our guests and Heartists.

With strong leadership, technical expertise, and a hands-on approach, you will guide the Engineering team, collaborate with other departments, and ensure the smooth operation of our luxury hotel and convention facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Engineering Department, ensuring efficient daily operations and compliance with hotel standards and operational objectives.

• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive preventive maintenance programs covering guest rooms, public areas, meeting and convention facilities, and all technical systems.

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other critical hotel systems.

• Ensure prompt and effective responses to maintenance requests from guests, Heartists, and hotel management, minimizing disruption to hotel operations.

• Prepare, manage, and monitor the departmental operating budget, ensuring effective cost control and optimal resource utilization.

• Monitor energy and water consumption, implementing initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support sustainability objectives.

• Ensure full compliance with applicable building codes, fire and life safety regulations, occupational health and safety standards, and local regulatory requirements.

• Lead emergency preparedness and response activities, ensuring the readiness and reliability of all critical systems and safety equipment.

• Manage engineering service contracts, external contractors, and suppliers to ensure quality, compliance, and cost-effective service delivery.

• Oversee the recruitment, scheduling, performance management, training, and development of Engineering Heartists.

• Conduct regular inspections of hotel facilities and equipment to identify maintenance needs, operational risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Coordinate and ensure the successful completion of all engineering-related inspections, audits, and risk management requirements.

• Work closely with Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Events, and other departments to support seamless hotel operations and exceptional guest experiences.

• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement within the Engineering Department.

• Ensure the Engineering Department maintains accurate maintenance records, equipment documentation, and compliance reports.

• Participate actively in hotel management meetings and operational committees, contributing to overall hotel performance and strategic objectives.

• Remain available to respond to operational emergencies and critical maintenance situations when required.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in engineering or facilities management within luxury hotels, resorts, or large-scale hospitality environments.

• Strong technical expertise in engineering operations, facilities management, preventive maintenance, and asset lifecycle planning.

• Relevant qualifications in Engineering, Building Services, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Demonstrated experience managing engineering operations within an established luxury hotel, ensuring business continuity, asset reliability, and minimal disruption to guest services.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management, CAPEX planning, project execution, contract management, and cost optimization.

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, fire and life safety regulations, and local regulatory requirements, including the Saudi Building Code and Civil Defense standards.

• Proven experience in emergency preparedness, risk management, and maintaining fire and life safety systems within large-scale facilities.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop, motivate, and inspire high-performing teams.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Highly organized, results-driven, and proactive, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

• Strong commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, operational excellence, and maintaining exceptional guest and Heartist experiences.

• Hands-on leadership approach, leading by example and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and high performance.

• Experience overseeing engineering operations in large-scale hotels with extensive meeting, conference, and convention facilities is highly desirable.