Chief Engineer - DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Sharjah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality company is seeking a Chief Engineer to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the property. The role involves overseeing all maintenance operations, leading the engineering team, and managing the departmental budget. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering and significant experience in hotel facilities management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Chief Engineer in a hotel environment.
• Proven experience in facilities management, budgeting, and basic accounting.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of property maintenance including guest rooms and public areas.
• Manage departmental operations in alignment with budgetary guidelines.
• Lead and develop the Engineering team.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Budget Management

HVAC Systems Knowledge

Electrical Systems Knowledge

Plumbing Systems Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Maintenance Software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Chief Engineer leads the Engineering Department and is responsible for overseeing the overall maintenance and operation of the property, ensuring a high standard of functionality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

What will I be doing?

The position has overall responsibility for maintaining the building, grounds and physical plant with particular attention towards safety, security and asset protection. Accountable for managing the budget, capital expenditure projects, preventative maintenance and energy conservation. Develops and implements strategies that will deliver products and services, which meet or exceed the needs and expectations of guests and employees while maximizing the financial performance. Responsible for maintaining standards and regulatory requirements. Leads the emergency response team for all facility issues and compliance with Hilton and local safety standards. This role plays a crucial part in delivering a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for both guests and team members. Specifically, a Chief Engineer will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

• Oversee all aspects of property maintenance and repair including guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, mechanical systems, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Lead and develop the Engineering team, providing training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify and address maintenance issues proactively.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton brand standards, local laws, and health & safety regulations.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment life and minimize operational disruption.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance logs, inspections, and legal compliance certifications.
• Monitor and control energy usage, proposing energy-saving initiatives and sustainability measures.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for specialized repair, renovation, or improvement projects.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, monitor expenditures, and procure materials cost-effectively.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations such as fire alarms, power outages, and equipment failures.
• Work with property and regional engineering leadership to determine how Engineering is performing against budget and highlight areas of concern to leadership.
• Coach and support engineering leadership team to effectively manage controllable expenses.
• Develop an engineering operating strategy aligned with the property/brand’s business strategy.
• Develop and manage Engineering budget.
• Ensure integration of departmental goals in game plans.
• Oversee execution of long-term preventative maintenance and 10-year asset protection plans.
• Review financial reports and statements to determine how Engineering is performing against budget.
• Address potential areas of concern and propose solutions to owners in a proactive manner.
• Communicate a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
• Supervise construction to ensure timely completion of projects.

Managing Profitability

• Manages departmental operations in alignment with budgetary guidelines by reviewing operating statements, budget worksheets, and payroll progress reports.
• Oversees and controls payroll-related functions to ensure accurate labour cost management.
• Manages controllable expenses to achieve or exceed budgeted financial targets.
• Participates in the development of departmental capital expenditure goals and oversees execution of related projects.
• Contributes to the annual budgeting process for areas under responsibility.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of how engineering operations impact overall property financial goals and educates team members accordingly.
• Regularly reviews and manages controllable expenses, including utilities (heat, light, power, water), tools and equipment, groundskeeping supplies, uniforms, vendor services, and service agreements.

Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Ensures fair and equitable treatment of all employees, promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Enforces disciplinary procedures and documentation in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Local SOPs, supporting the Peer Review Process where applicable.
• Maintains an open-door policy and actively uses employee feedback to identify and address workplace concerns in a timely manner.
• Recognizes and celebrates individual and team achievements to promote morale and engagement.
• Effectively resolves guest complaints and operational challenges in a professional and service-oriented manner.
• Coordinates with the Human Resources department to address sensitive employee matters or issues that require escalation.
• Ensures that regular ongoing communication takes place throughout the engineering operation to communicate daily operations activities, set expectations and create awareness of business objectives.

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 have the following:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Chief Engineer in a hotel environment, preferably within Hilton or a comparable international hospitality brand.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline). Advanced certifications or postgraduate education is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire life safety, etc.) and building management/engineering.
• Familiarity with local building codes, OSHA regulations, and Hilton safety standards.
• Proven experience in facilities management, budgeting, and basic accounting.
• Strong leadership, team management, and effective communication skills.
• Proficient in maintenance software, Microsoft Office, and other relevant computer programs.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Committed to delivering a high level of customer service with a positive attitude.

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!

Job

Engineering, Maintenance and Facilities