Assistant Chief Engineer

Sofitel Dubai The Palm – Assistant Chief Engineer

Job Description

• Deputise for the Director of Engineering and assume full responsibility for the department in their absence.
• Oversee the daily operation, maintenance and repair of all building, MEP and engineering systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BMS, lifts, generators, kitchen and laundry equipment, pools and beach infrastructure.
• Plan and allocate daily work across engineering shifts and trades to ensure effective 24/7 coverage.
• Monitor the engineering work-order system and ensure all guest and departmental requests are completed within service standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, F&B outlets, So SPA, back-of-house areas and plant rooms to identify and resolve issues proactively.
• Manage and monitor the Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) programme for all plant, equipment and guest rooms.
• Maintain accurate asset registers, equipment records, O&M manuals and technical documentation.
• Ensure proper care and protection of the hotel's assets, particularly in the beachfront and high-humidity environment.
• Coordinate room-out-of-order and deep-maintenance programmes with Rooms Division to minimise operational and revenue impact.
• Ensure compliance with UAE and Dubai regulatory requirements, including Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality and DEWA standards.
• Maintain and oversee fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, fire pumps, emergency lighting and gas detection systems.
• Enforce Permit-to-Work procedures, including hot work, working at height, confined space and electrical isolation/LOTO.
• Maintain water treatment, Legionella prevention and pool/spa water quality records.
• Support Accor brand, insurance and regulatory audits and ensure corrective actions are completed within deadlines.
• Participate in emergency response and crisis management procedures.
• Monitor energy, water and gas consumption and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Support Accor sustainability initiatives and Dubai Sustainable Tourism requirements.
• Optimise BMS settings, chiller efficiency and equipment operating hours while maintaining guest comfort.
• Manage external contractors and Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs), ensuring quality, safety and value for money.
• Support CAPEX, renovation and engineering projects from planning and tendering through to supervision, snagging and handover.
• Manage engineering stores, spare parts and purchasing requirements in line with hotel procurement procedures.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual engineering budget, R&M forecasts and CAPEX plans.
• Monitor departmental expenses, overtime and contractor costs against approved budgets.
• Lead, coach and motivate the engineering team, including supervisors, technicians and trade specialists.
• Manage team scheduling, attendance, performance and disciplinary matters in partnership with Talent & Culture.
• Identify training needs and support technical, safety and brand training.
• Develop talent and succession plans for key supervisory positions.
• Promote colleague engagement, recognition and wellbeing within the department.
• Respond to guest concerns related to engineering and ensure prompt and professional service recovery.
• Work closely with Rooms, F&B, Spa, Security, Housekeeping and Events to support daily operations, VIP arrivals and events.
• Ensure engineering colleagues maintain a professional, discreet and well-presented appearance in guest areas while delivering Sofitel's French-inspired luxury service standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 5–7 years of engineering experience in hotels or resorts, including at least 2 years in a senior engineering role such as Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Manager or Senior Supervisor within a 5-star luxury environment.
• Experience in large integrated resorts, including guest rooms, serviced apartments, multiple F&B outlets, spa, pools and beach facilities, is highly desirable.
• Pre-opening, renovation or GCC hospitality experience is an advantage.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC and chilled water systems, electrical distribution, plumbing, fire and life safety systems and BMS.
• Familiarity with CMMS and work-order management systems, as well as hotel systems and interfaces such as Opera PMS.
• Good knowledge of Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA and Dubai Municipality regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook. AutoCAD reading ability is an advantage.
• Valid UAE driving licence is preferred.
• Health and safety certifications such as NEBOSH or IOSH, as well as energy management qualifications, are an advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. French, Arabic or additional languages are an asset.