Chief Engineer

James Webber Recruitment Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

James Webber Recruitment Ltd. in London is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the engineering and maintenance operation at a large London hotel.

You will take ownership of building services, maintenance strategy and statutory compliance, guiding a team to deliver a safe, reliable, and well-maintained environment for guests and colleagues. The role involves managing preventative and reactive maintenance, supervising budgets and external contracts, coordinating capital projects, and

Qualifications

• Experience as Chief Engineer or hotel maintenance manager.
• Background in large, full-service hotel settings.
• Strong knowledge of building services including HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Thorough understanding of statutory compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, contractors and maintenance projects.
• Practical, organized approach and ability to resolve problems under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering team, setting priorities and maintaining high standards.
• Manage planned preventative and reactive maintenance across bedrooms, public areas, plant and back-of-house facilities.
• Oversee statutory compliance, including Fire & Life Safety, electrical safety and water hygiene.
• Manage departmental budgets, procurement and external service contracts.
• Plan and deliver capital projects and refurbishment works with minimal disruption to hotel operations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, certification and audit documentation.
• Work with the General Manager and department heads to protect guest experience and operational continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, control costs and extend asset life.

Skills

Leadership

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Health & safety

Budgets & procurement

Contractor management

Job description

London | Up to £70,000 per annum + Benefits

James Webber Recruitment is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the engineering and maintenance operation at a large London hotel.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of the hotel’s building services, maintenance strategy and statutory compliance, leading a team to deliver a safe, reliable and well‑maintained environment for guests and colleagues.

The Role

• Lead and develop the engineering team, setting clear priorities and maintaining high standards.
• Manage planned preventative and reactive maintenance across bedrooms, public areas, plant and back‑of‑house facilities.
• Oversee statutory compliance, including Fire & Life Safety, electrical safety and water hygiene.
• Manage departmental budgets, procurement and external service contracts.
• Plan and deliver capital projects and refurbishment works with minimal disruption to hotel operations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, certification and audit documentation.
• Work closely with the General Manager and department heads to protect guest experience and operational continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, control costs and extend asset life.

The Ideal Candidate

• An established Chief Engineer or experienced hotel Maintenance Manager ready for a larger role.
• A background in a large, full‑service hotel or similarly complex hospitality environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of building services, including HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems.
• A thorough understanding of statutory compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Experience managing teams, contractors, budgets and maintenance projects.
• A practical, organised approach with the confidence to resolve problems under pressure.

Salary up to £70,000 per annum, plus benefits.