Chief Engineer - Hospitality

ESSENTIAL MODEL SDN. BHD.; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Model Sdn Bhd's 4-star hotel in Johor Bahru seeks an experienced Chief Engineer to lead engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring safety, reliability and energy efficiency across M&E and building systems.

You will drive preventive maintenance, manage budgets and vendor relationships, and collaborate with management to uphold property standards and support hotel pre-opening and opening activities.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical or related field.
• 5–8 years of hotel engineering experience, preferably 4- or 5-star property.
• Proven experience managing M&E systems, HVAC, electrical systems, fire & life safety systems, lifts, pumps and water systems.
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance, building maintenance and energy management.
• Experience in managing engineering budgets, vendors, contractors and service contracts.
• Strong understanding of statutory requirements, safety standards, inspections and certifications.
• Good leadership skills with ability to lead, coach and develop an Engineering team.
• Able to respond effectively to technical emergencies and operational breakdowns.
• Based in Johor Bahru, Johor.

Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Operations – Oversee daily engineering, maintenance and technical operations.
• M&E & Building Systems – Manage HVAC, electrical, generators, BMS and other critical hotel building systems.
• Fire & Life Safety – Ensure fire alarm, fire pumps, sprinkler systems and emergency equipment are maintained and compliant.
• AV & Technical Systems – Ensure hotel AV and technical systems are properly maintained and operational.
• Lifts, Pumps & Water Systems – Oversee lifts, water pumps, filtration, sewage and wastewater systems.
• Pool & Kitchen Equipment – Ensure swimming pool systems and kitchen equipment are properly maintained and operational.
• Preventive & Corrective Maintenance – Implement effective maintenance programmes to minimise breakdowns and ensure equipment reliability.
• Property Standards – Maintain the hotel property, facilities and M&E systems to required standards.
• Safety, Compliance & Statutory Requirements – Ensure all engineering systems meet safety, regulatory, inspection and certification requirements.
• Energy & Cost Management – Monitor utilities, implement energy-saving initiatives and manage the Engineering budget and costs.
• Team, Vendor & Contractor Management – Lead and develop the Engineering team while managing vendors, service contracts and contractors.
• Engineering Administration & Projects – Maintain engineering records, reports and SOPs, and oversee renovation, repair, project and hotel pre-opening/opening activities.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Preventive maintenance

Budget management

Education

Engineering degree

Diploma

Tools

BMS

AV systems

Fire safety systems

Job description

Essential Model Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Opero Hotel Southkey) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Engineer to lead the engineering and maintenance operations of our 4-star hotel in Johor Bahru.

We are looking for a technically strong engineering leader who can ensure property standards, preventive maintenance, safety, energy efficiency and operational reliability.

The successful candidate will work closely with the management team to maintain the hotel’s facilities and systems, improve operational efficiency and ensure a safe and well-maintained environment for our guests and employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Operations – Oversee daily engineering, maintenance and technical operations.
• M&E & Building Systems – Manage HVAC, electrical, generators, BMS and other critical hotel building systems.
• Fire & Life Safety – Ensure fire alarm, fire pumps, sprinkler systems and emergency equipment are maintained and compliant.
• AV & Technical Systems – Ensure hotel AV and technical systems are properly maintained and operational.
• Lifts, Pumps & Water Systems – Oversee lifts, water pumps, filtration, sewage and wastewater systems.
• Pool & Kitchen Equipment – Ensure swimming pool systems and kitchen equipment are properly maintained and operational.
• Preventive & Corrective Maintenance – Implement effective maintenance programmes to minimise breakdowns and ensure equipment reliability.
• Property Standards – Maintain the hotel property, facilities and M&E systems to required standards.
• Safety, Compliance & Statutory Requirements – Ensure all engineering systems meet safety, regulatory, inspection and certification requirements.
• Energy & Cost Management – Monitor utilities, implement energy-saving initiatives and manage the Engineering budget and costs.
• Team, Vendor & Contractor Management – Lead and develop the Engineering team while managing vendors, service contracts and contractors.
• Engineering Administration & Projects – Maintain engineering records, reports and SOPs, and oversee renovation, repair, project and hotel pre-opening/opening activities.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical or a related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant hotel engineering experience, preferably in a 4-star or 5-star property.
• Proven experience in managing M&E systems, HVAC, electrical systems, fire & life safety systems, lifts, pumps and water systems.
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance, building maintenance and energy management.
• Experience in managing engineering budgets, vendors, contractors and service contracts.
• Strong understanding of statutory requirements, safety standards, inspections and certifications.
• Good leadership skills with the ability to lead, coach and develop an Engineering team.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
• Previous experience in hotel pre-opening and opening is highly preferred.
• Able to respond effectively to technical emergencies and operational breakdowns.
• Experience with BMS, AV systems, swimming pool and kitchen equipment will be an advantage.
• Willing to be based in Johor Bahru, Johor.