DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

Kerten Hospitality; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerten Hospitality is seeking an experienced engineering leader for their hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This role requires significant expertise in hotel engineering, focusing on maintenance, compliance, and team development. The ideal candidate will show a record in luxury hospitality management and possess exceptional leadership abilities.

The position is key to ensuring operational efficiency, compliance with safety regulations, and budget management. Candidates must be fluent in English and Arabic and have strong technical skills across various engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in hotel engineering or facilities management.
• Proven track record in a senior leadership role within luxury hospitality.
• Strong strategic planning and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of hotel engineering operations.
• Develop preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Lead and mentor the engineering team.

Skills

Hotel engineering experience

Technical expertise in electrical systems

Budgets and strategic planning

Leadership and management

Problem-solving skills

Fluent in English and Arabic

Tools

Engineering management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all hotel engineering operations including guest rooms, public areas, and critical technical systems.
• Develop and implement comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance programmes for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and building systems.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Define and drive long‑term capital improvement, renovation, and infrastructure projects in alignment with ownership and senior management goals.
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, health, safety, and environmental standards across all engineering activities.
• Establish and oversee engineering budgets, cost controls, and resource allocation to maximise efficiency and return on investment.
• Build strong cross‑departmental relationships to ensure seamless hotel operations and rapid response to emergencies.
• Liaise with external contractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities on behalf of the hotel.
• Report on engineering performance KPIs and project progress to the General Manager and ownership.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in hotel engineering or facilities management, with a proven track record in a senior leadership role within luxury hospitality.
• Deep technical expertise across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and building systems.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and capital project management skills.
• Exceptional leadership and people‑management abilities, with experience developing and retaining engineering talent.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical schematics, and engineering manuals.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of local and international safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in engineering management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.