Chief Engineer

Dorsett Operations Perth PH Pty Ltd; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorsett Perth is preparing for a landmark pre-opening phase and seeks an experienced Chief Engineer to lead all engineering operations from day one. You will oversee building systems, equipment and facilities, and establish robust maintenance, safety and compliance programs to ensure a flawless opening and long-term reliability.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong budget management and a proven ability to manage contractors and cross-functional teams in a hotel environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a senior engineering or facilities management leadership role.
• Trade qualifications in electrical, mechanical or air conditioning building services.
• Strong knowledge of BMS, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety systems.
• Experience in preventative maintenance, contractor management and regulatory compliance.
• Sound budget management and cost control capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-opening engineering preparations, including inspections, commissioning, systems testing and readiness.
• Establish preventative maintenance programs and compliance registers.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of hotel facilities, plant and services.
• Ensure compliance with building regs and WHS requirements.
• Manage engineering budgets, contracts and service agreements.
• Collaborate with project teams to resolve defects before opening.
• Recruit, develop and lead the engineering team and promote a safety-first culture.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Contractor management

Regulatory compliance

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Communication

Hands-on leadership

Hotel pre-opening experience

Education

Electrical/Mechanical/AC trade qualifications

Tools

BMS (Building Management System)

Job description

Chief Engineer | Pre-Opening – Dorsett Perth

Location: Perth CBD, WA
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Category: Management – Engineering (Hospitality & Tourism)

About DORSETT

An exciting new chapter is unfolding in Perth!

Located in the heart of Perth CBD, Dorsett Perth is preparing to open its doors in early 2027. Featuring 263 contemporary guestrooms, dining and bar venues, meeting and event spaces, and health and fitness facilities, the hotel will bring Dorsett's signature hospitality experience to Western Australia.

Dorsett Hospitality International is one of Asia's fastest-growing hotel groups, with a growing portfolio of hotels across Australia, Asia and Europe. Following the successful openings of Dorsett Gold Coast and Dorsett Melbourne, we are excited to continue our Australian expansion with Dorsett Perth.

Why DORSETT

Be part of an exciting hotel pre-opening team and help shape our engineering operations from the ground up.

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the hotel's operational readiness and long-term success.

Enjoy attractive team member benefits, including discounted accommodation across Dorsett hotels globally.

Work in a central Perth CBD location with convenient access to public transport.

Join a growing international hospitality group with opportunities for professional development.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Chief Engineer to join our pre‑opening leadership team at Dorsett Perth.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will play a key role in preparing the hotel's engineering operations for opening, ensuring all building systems, equipment and facilities are safe, compliant and operating efficiently.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineering professional who enjoys being involved from the beginning, establishing systems and processes, and building a strong foundation for operational excellence.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Lead the pre‑opening engineering preparations, including building inspections, equipment commissioning, systems testing and operational readiness.

Establish preventative maintenance programs, engineering procedures and compliance registers.

Oversee the maintenance and efficient operation of all hotel facilities, plant, equipment and building services.

Ensure compliance with relevant building regulations, workplace health and safety requirements and statutory obligations.

Manage engineering budgets, maintenance expenditure, contractors and service agreements.

Work closely with the project team, contractors and hotel leadership to identify and resolve defects and operational issues prior to opening.

Recruit, develop and lead the engineering team, fostering a strong culture of safety, accountability and service excellence.

About YOU

We are looking for a practical, solutions-focused leader who brings strong technical expertise and a proactive approach to hotel engineering.

Ideally, you will have:

Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a similar engineering or facilities management leadership role, preferably within a hotel or hospitality environment.

Relevant trade qualifications in electrical, mechanical, air conditioning or a related building services discipline.

Strong knowledge of building management systems, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety systems.

Demonstrated experience in preventative maintenance, contractor management and regulatory compliance.

Sound financial and organisational skills, including budget management and cost control.

Excellent problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.

A hands‑on leadership style and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Previous hotel pre‑opening experience will be highly regarded.

If you are ready to take ownership of engineering operations and play an integral role in bringing Dorsett Perth to life, we would love to hear from you!

Diversity

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientations and genders.

We'd love to meet you

If you have the skills, experience and motivation to succeed in this role, we invite you to take the next step and submit your application.

Join us as we prepare to open the doors to Dorsett Perth!

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Chief Engineer?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• How many years of hotel management experience do you have?