Chief Engineer at Hilton

JOB OVERVIEW

• The Chief Engineer is responsible for all aspects of property maintenance, including the management of property operating maintenance, hotel’s physical infrastructure, energy costs, operational efficiencies, team member and guest safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As Chief Engineer, you will be required to perform the following responsibilities aligned with Hilton’s operational and strategic priorities:

Ideation & Strategic Planning Activities (40%)

• Develop a rolling preventive maintenance program and Room Care program to enhance asset longevity and guest satisfaction.
• Prepare annual engineering budgets and strategic capital improvement plans, including ROI evaluations for Capex and Opex proposals.
• Create long-term sustainability and utility reduction strategies aligned with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose (sustainability) goals.
• Interpret building performance data to identify improvement opportunities and innovation in energy and maintenance practices.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton brand standards and local legal regulations by anticipating future requirements and risks.
• Contribute to asset lifecycle planning, technical due diligence, and feasibility studies for engineering-led projects.

Designing & Organizing Activities (30%)

• Design efficient engineering workflows, asset registers, and maintenance schedules (daily, weekly, monthly, and annual).
• Plan and supervise engineering input into renovations and upgrades, ensuring specifications meet operational and brand expectations.
• Schedule team shifts, contractor work, and procurement cycles for seamless coordination and minimum guest disruption.
• Implement change initiatives and design standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure continuous improvement.
• Monitor and model plant operations and utilities to identify design changes that enhance performance.

Implementing & Directing Activities (20%)

• Lead project execution phases, ensuring implementation of maintenance, upgrades, and sustainability initiatives.
• Coordinate effectively with contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Drive team performance through KPI monitoring, shift execution oversight, and in-the-moment decision-making.
• Resolve breakdowns and emergency repairs efficiently, ensuring minimal operational disruption.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and service delivery during implementation of new technologies or equipment.

Operating & Controlling Activities (10%)

• Operate a safe and efficient engineering function through real-time monitoring and control of utilities and plant performance.
• Track departmental KPIs, guest performance scores, utility consumption, and equipment performance using internal systems. 
• Maintain an accurate inventory of tools, spare parts, and equipment, ensuring availability for timely repairs and minimizing operational downtime.
• Support daily operations through supervision of critical systems and scheduled maintenance execution.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs and records to support operational transparency, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
• Validate work quality, approve invoices, and manage testing and compliance records.
• Submit Hilton sustainability programme reporting and compliance audits on schedule.
• Maintain team development through daily coaching, observations, and performance support.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• In addition to your key responsibilities, this position may also involve performing various supportive tasks. The allocation of time for each task will be determined by the hotel manager based on the company's specific needs.
• Ensure compliance with security and safety regulations, and local law procedures.
• Train hotel team members on maintenance management procedures and standards as needed.
• Train team members according to RISK manual standards.
• Monitor and correct team members' appearance and conduct.
• Identify and address training needs for the Engineering team.
• Maintain all maintenance management systems, including BMS, Metering, guest services, and activity management systems.
• Support projects involving outside contractors, including drawing up specifications and assessing quotations.
• Advise the General Manager and Regional Director of Engineering on refurbishment and rebuilding.
• Maintain an appropriate supply of materials and equipment for daily operations and maintenance.
• Organize and manage administrative and filing systems for timely handling of correspondence, reports, and requisitions.
• Maintain an organized system for inventory, maintenance, and storage of tools, products, materials, and equipment.
• Serve as the hotel Health and Safety Officer.
• Participate in system development projects and quality enhancement pilots.
• Engage in Regional Specialist Team meetings, conference calls, and initiatives.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• We are looking for an inspirational leader who is technically proficient in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, preventive maintenance, energy management, and compliance with safety regulations, with at least 5 years' experience in a similar role and an internationally recognized bachelor’s degree . Experience in engineering management within the hospitality industry would be an advantage but not a must.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• The ideal candidate must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree relevant to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing disciplines. Registration with a relevant regulatory engineering or trade authority is considered a strong advantage. Candidates must also have the ability to obtain any government-required licenses or certifications necessary for the role. Additionally, CPR certification and/or First Aid training is preferred.

What are we looking for?

A Chief Engineer serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

• Advanced knowledge of building management/engineering
• A degree in Engineering or similar
• Exposure to budgeting and basic accounting
• Positive attitude
• Good communication skills
• Committed to delivering a high level of customer service
• Strong leadership skills and previous experience of managing a team
• Excellent grooming standards
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work on their own
• Previous experience of facilities management
• Proficient, at an advanced level, with computers and relevant computer programs

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

• First Aid
• Qualification in engineering field