Chief Engineer

St. Giles Wembley Penang ( Salient Glory City S/B); George Town; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel in Penang is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to manage engineering and maintenance operations. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, and will demonstrate strong leadership and budget management skills. A technical certification and a commitment to safety and guest satisfaction are essential. This role calls for a candidate who thrives in a demanding 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in engineering or maintenance.
• Prior experience in a hotel or hospitality setting is essential.
• Ability to manage and lead a team in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems.
• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs.
• Handle facility emergencies and coordinate recovery efforts.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Electrical systems expertise

Plumbing skills

Fire & Life Safety comprehension

Budget management

Team leadership

Vendor management

Safety & compliance

Emergency response capabilities

Problem-solving skills

Education

Technical certifications or trade licenses

Job description

Add expected salary to your profile for insights

Qualifications

• Technical certifications or trade licenses (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical) are highly desirable and sometimes required depending on local regulations.
• Experience: Minimum of 5‑10 years of progressive experience in engineering or maintenance, with a significant portion in a supervisory or management role.
• Prior experience in a hotel, hospitality setting is essential.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Operation, maintenance, and repair of chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and related equipment.
• Electrical: High and low voltage systems, switchgear, generators, lighting, and emergency power.
• Plumbing: Water distribution, sewage systems, pumps, and hot water production (boilers/heaters).
• Fire & Life Safety: Thorough understanding of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, emergency procedures, and local codes.
• Building Automation Systems (BMS): Proficiency in operating and managing computerized control systems for energy management.
• Preventive Maintenance: Ability to design, implement, and manage a robust Preventive Maintenance (PM) program for all mechanical, electrical, and structural assets.
• Capital Projects: Experience in planning, budgeting, and overseeing major renovation, replacement, or construction projects (CapEx).
• Budget Management: Proven ability to develop, manage, and adhere to departmental operating and capital budgets.

Leadership and Management

• Team Leadership: Ability to hire, train, mentor, schedule, and lead an engineering and maintenance team, fostering a culture of safety and efficiency.
• Vendor Management: Skill in selecting, negotiating contracts with, and managing external contractors and service providers.
• Safety & Compliance: Strict adherence to all federal, state, and local health, safety, and building codes.
• Emergency Response: Able to handle all facility emergencies (e.g., power outages, floods, equipment failures) and coordinate swift, effective recovery efforts.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Communication: Verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with department heads, staff, and guests.
• Guest Focus: A strong commitment to supporting guest comfort and resolving maintenance‑related issues promptly and professionally.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong analytical and decision‑making skills to troubleshoot complex engineering issues under pressure.
• Documentation: Meticulous record‑keeping for maintenance logs, equipment warranties, blueprints, and compliance documentation.

In summary, the ideal Chief Engineer is a highly organized, technically skilled leader with a deep commitment to maintaining a safe, energy‑efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment in a demanding 24/7 operation.

Unlock job insights

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Chief Engineer?
• How many years' experience do you have as a manager / team lead?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?