Director of Information Technology

Kempinski Hotel; Manama; On-site; BHD 23,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Kempinski Hotel in Bahrain seeks an IT leader to drive the pre-opening technology deployment and ongoing IT operations. You will oversee hardware installation, software configuration, and end-to-end system integration for Opera PMS, Simphony POS, and guest services across networks.

Lead the IT team, ensure cybersecurity compliance, and manage vendor contracts and budgets while coordinating with MEP and site developers to deliver a seamless guest experience in a luxury hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required.
• Minimum 3–5 years in an IT leadership role in a luxury hotel.
• Strong pre-opening hotel installation experience preferred.
• Experience with core hospitality systems and network infrastructure.
• Good knowledge of Middle East GCC telecom standards and Bahrain privacy laws.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end IT setup for pre-opening, including hardware, software, and testing.
• Deploy key hospitality systems and ensure seamless integration with networks.
• Design high-availability networks and 24/7 support for uptime.
• Enforce data security, PCI-DSS, and Bahrain data protection compliance.
• Lead vendor management, budgeting, and training for IT staff.

Skills

IT leadership

Pre-opening hotel IT

Project management

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field

Tools

Opera PMS

Oracle Simphony POS

Guest Wi-Fi management

IPTV

PABX Telephony

Cisco switches/routers

Enterprise firewalls

Hyper-V / VMware

Active Directory

Job description

Pre-Opening Technology Deployment & Handover

Oversee the complete lifecycle of IT setup including hardware installation software configuration system integration and rigorous testing prior to launch Deploy core hospitality systems Opera PMS Simphony POS Revenue Management Systems RMS Electronic Keycard Access Guest Wi-Fi HSIA PABX Telephony and IPTV systems Work closely with MEP contractors network consultants and site developers during cable laying server room setup network rack installation and commissioning.

Infrastructure Uptime & Operations

Design and implement local high-availability network architectures Cisco networking Microsoft Server environments VLANs and firewall configurations Establish preventive maintenance and 24 7 technical support operations to ensure continuous system uptime across guest and Back-of-House BOH zones.

Data Security Compliance & Disaster Recovery

Implement end-to-end cybersecurity protocols role-based access controls data backup frameworks and business continuity disaster recovery plans Ensure strict adherence to Kempinski corporate IT standards PCI-DSS payment security compliance and Bahrain local data protection regulations.

Vendor Procurement & Budget Management

Administer vendor SLAs software licensing system warranties and maintenance contracts Manage departmental Operating Expenses OpEx and pre-opening Capital Expenditure CapEx budgets for all hardware and tech acquisitions.

User Support Training & Team Leadership

Recruit onboard and train the IT support team Establish helpdesk workflows and deliver hotel-wide staff training on PMS POS usage core operational software and cybersecurity awareness 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.

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

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 5+ years in an IT leadership role within a luxury hotel environment. Proven pre-opening hotel installation experience is strongly preferred.
• Technical Mastery: Core Hospitality Systems: Opera PMS, Oracle Simphony POS, Guest Wi-Fi management, IPTV, PABX. Network Infrastructure: Cisco switches/routers, enterprise firewalls, VLAN structuring, server virtualization (Hyper-V / VMware), Active Directory.
• Regional/Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Middle East / GCC telecom standards and Bahrain data privacy laws.
• Languages: Business fluency in English is mandatory; conversational Arabic is an advantage.