Director of Engineering

Kempinski Hotels SA; Manama; On-site; BHD 30,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kempinski Hotels SA in Bahrain is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the pre-opening and ongoing technical handover, testing and commissioning of luxury facilities. You will oversee MEP systems, life-safety readiness, and high-end amenities while coordinating with developers, authorities, and the hotel team.

The role requires 5–8 years as a Director of Engineering in a 5-star hotel, strong contractor and budget management, and fluent English with knowledge of the regional market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years as Director of Engineering / Chief Engineer in a 5-star luxury hotel or integrated resort.
• Pre-opening capacity experience (handover to operations).
• Regional experience in Middle East/GCC preferred; Bahrain familiarity advantageous.
• Fluent English required; Arabic is a plus.
• Strong contractor management, budget planning, crisis management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Represent the operator in site inspections, snagging, testing and commissioning of MEP and life-safety infrastructure.
• Review drawings, O&M manuals, warranty agreements and as-built plans prior to property acceptance.
• Coordinate system performance evaluations with main contractors to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Establish asset registries and implement CMMS/PMMS from scratch.
• Build and structure the engineering department and recruit qualified staff.
• Develop SOPs, emergency workflows and safety protocols aligned with corporate standards.
• Establish preventive maintenance programs for all major equipment and spaces.
• Lead training for engineering staff and cross-department teams.
• Prepare and manage the engineering budget and CapEx plans.
• Monitor energy and water consumption; implement sustainability initiatives.
• Negotiate and monitor third-party service and maintenance contracts.
• Ensure Fire, Life and Safety readiness and oversee regulatory certifications.
• Oversee risk management and sustainability compliance.

Skills

Contractor management

Budget planning

Crisis management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Eng / Electrical Eng / Building Services or related

Job description

Director of Engineering

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Kingdom of Bahrain - Manama

Description

The Director of Engineering oversees the technical hand-over, operational testing, commissioning, and long-term facility preservation of the luxury property. During the pre-opening phase, this role serves as the primary technical liaison between project developers, consultants, contractors, local authorities, and the hotel operating team.

The position ensures that all MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), HVAC, life safety systems, structural assets, and high-spec luxury amenities (such as infinity pools, sky lounges, and spa facilities) are delivered to Kempinski standards, local municipal regulations, and corporate sustainability guidelines before opening to guests.

Key Responsibilities

How You Will Make a Difference; What We’re Looking For Pre-Opening, Commissioning & Handover

• Represent the operator in all site inspections, snagging processes, testing, and commissioning of physical plant, MEP equipment, vertical transportation (elevators), and life safety infrastructure.
• Review architectural and MEP drawings, operational operation & maintenance (O&M) manuals, warranty agreements, and as-built plans prior to property acceptance.
• Coordinate system performance evaluations alongside main contractors to verify compliance with local environmental.
• Establish asset registries and implement a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) or Property Management Maintenance System (PMMS) from scratch.

Departmental Operations & Team Leadership

• Build, recruit, and structure the engineering department, selecting qualified shift engineers, technicians, and specialized craftsmen.
• Develop Departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emergency response workflows, and safety protocols in line with corporate standards.
• Establish preventive maintenance programs (PMP) for all major equipment, guest rooms, public spaces, back-of-house (BOH) zones, and exterior infrastructure.
• Conduct technical and life-safety training programs for engineering staff and cross-departmental teams.

Financial, Energy & Sustainability Management

• Prepare and manage the engineering operating budget, capital expenditure (CapEx) plan, pre-opening departmental launch budgets, and utility consumption models.
• Monitor energy, water, and fuel usage; design and implement energy-saving and carbon-reduction initiatives.
• Negotiate, execute, and monitor third-party service and maintenance contracts (e.g., chillers, fire suppression systems, elevators, pool maintenance, high-voltage systems).

Safety, Compliance & Asset Protection

• Serve as the hotel’s lead technical authority on Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) systems, ensuring total readiness for internal audits and municipal certifications.
• Implement risk management policies to protect the physical asset against environmental degradation, water damage, electrical risks, and structural wear.
• Oversee sustainability compliance (e.g., EarthCheck or equivalent certification programs required by corporate standards).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

What Makes You a Great Fit; Who We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 5–8 years as a Director of Engineering / Chief Engineer in a 5-star luxury hotel or integrated resort environment.
• Demonstrated track record in a pre-opening capacity (taking a hotel property from construction phase/handover through to operational launch).
• Regional Experience: Middle East / GCC market experience highly preferred; familiarity with Bahrain Civil Defence, EWA regulations, and local vendor ecosystems is a strong advantage.
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of central HVAC plant operations, BMS systems, desalination/water treatment, emergency generators, high-voltage networks, and advanced FLS protocols.
• Languages: Business fluency in English is mandatory; conversational Arabic is a plus.
• Competencies: Strong contractor management capabilities, commercial budget planning, Crisis Management Leadership, and cross-functional team management.

Why Join Kempinski

Kempinski emphasises talent development and offers career progression within its global network, with properties in over 30 countries. There are opportunities to work in diverse cultural environments whilst continuing your professional growth. We are proud to foster a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Be part of a legacy, build your future. Discover the possibilities at Kempinski.