Chief Engineer

VAREL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff benefits

Job summary

Varel Singapore is seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer to lead the Engineering Department of a Tribute Portfolio hotel. You will ensure safe, reliable operations, supervise a dedicated engineering team, and lead preventive maintenance to keep facilities running smoothly.

With strong knowledge of hotel building systems and a proactive approach, you will uphold the brand standards and coordinate with contractors, ensuring energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Chief Engineer or equivalent senior hotel engineering role.
• 4- or 5-star hotel experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building management systems.
• Engineering qualifications or certifications and regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department to maintain facilities and systems.
• Ensure safe, efficient operation of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection).
• Develop preventive and corrective maintenance programmes to minimise downtime.
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and plant rooms to identify maintenance needs.
• Respond to engineering emergencies and guest maintenance requests promptly.
• Lead and manage the engineering team, including scheduling and development.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and budgets.
• Coordinate with contractors and external service providers for projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Team supervision

Budget awareness

Safety compliance

Education

Engineering certifications or degree

Job description

Chief Engineer

As the Chief Engineer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and seamless operation of our hotel. From maintaining critical building systems to leading a dedicated engineering team, you will help create a comfortable and reliable environment for our guests and colleagues. Through your technical expertise, leadership, and proactive approach, you will uphold the standards and character of our Tribute Portfolio brand.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department, ensuring all hotel facilities, equipment, and building systems are maintained to the highest standards

• Ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and other building systems

• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programmes to minimise equipment downtime and maintain operational efficiency

• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house facilities, plant rooms, and other hotel areas to identify maintenance requirements and potential issues

• Respond promptly to engineering emergencies, equipment breakdowns, and guest-related maintenance requests

• Lead and supervise the engineering team, including scheduling, task allocation, performance management, training, and development

• Ensure all engineering works are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with hotel standards and statutory requirements

• Manage contractors and external service providers, ensuring work is completed according to agreed specifications, timelines, and safety standards

• Maintain accurate records of preventive maintenance, repairs, equipment performance, inspections, and engineering activities

• Monitor energy, water, and utility consumption and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs

• Assist in preparing and managing the Engineering Department's operating and capital expenditure budgets

• Ensure compliance with local statutory regulations, fire safety requirements, workplace safety standards, and environmental practices

• Coordinate with other departments to support hotel operations, renovations, events, VIP preparations, and special projects

• Support hotel opening, renovation, refurbishment, and upgrading projects where required

• Maintain engineering workshops, plant rooms, tools, equipment, and storage areas in a clean, safe, and organised condition

• Respond to guest concerns professionally and ensure engineering-related issues are resolved promptly with minimal disruption to the guest experience

• Participate in emergency response procedures, drills, and business continuity planning

• Promote a strong culture of safety, preventive maintenance, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the Engineering Department

About you

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer, Director of Engineering, Assistant Chief Engineer, or in a similar senior engineering role within a hotel or hospitality environment

• Previous experience in a 4- or 5-star hotel is preferred

• Strong knowledge of hotel building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, and building management systems

• Relevant technical qualifications, engineering certifications, or equivalent industry experience

• Strong understanding of workplace safety, statutory compliance, and preventive maintenance practices

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage a diverse engineering team

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with a proactive and hands-on approach

• Good planning, organisational, and project management skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with guests, colleagues, management, contractors, and external agencies

• Financially aware with an understanding of maintenance budgets, cost control, and energy management

• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with other departments

• Comfortable responding to emergencies and operational requirements outside normal working hours when necessary

• Flexible to work rotating schedules, weekends, public holidays, and be on-call as required

• Able to start work within short notice

About us

At Varel Singapore, we believe hospitality is personal. As part of the Tribute Portfolio by Marriott, you will be part of a global family that celebrates individuality, creativity, and growth. We offer a supportive work environment, staff benefits, and opportunities to build a meaningful career in hospitality.

If you are a hands-on engineering leader who takes pride in maintaining high standards, developing people, and ensuring a safe and seamless hotel operation, we would love to hear from you.