Preventative Assistant Engineer

President Hotel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel in Cape Town is seeking a Preventative Assistant Engineer to lead preventative maintenance initiatives and ensure operational efficiency. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of maintenance management experience in a luxury environment and will be responsible for managing maintenance programs, staff development, and budgets. This is a hands-on role that offers a competitive package with significant responsibilities in ensuring high standards of hotel operations.

Benefits

Competitive gross package

Medical aid contribution

Pension / provident fund contribution

Performance-based incentives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing, training, and developing staff.
• Ability to maintain high operational standards in a luxury setting.
• Experience with budgets, OPEX, and CAPEX.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage preventative maintenance programs.
• Assist in servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical systems.
• Lead, mentor, and upskill engineering staff.
• Assist in developing and controlling departmental budgets.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Coordinate with contractors and internal teams.
• Respond to emergency maintenance issues promptly.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

HVAC systems knowledge

Plumbing systems knowledge

Staff management

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Proficiency in Microsoft Word

Education

Minimum 3 years in building maintenance or engineering

At least 5 years in maintenance management role

Tools

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)

Job description

The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a newly established role of Preventative Assistant Engineer.

This pivotal position will join our Engineering & Maintenance team to lead preventative maintenance initiatives, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure the longevity of all hotel systems, while maintaining the hotels luxury standards. The successful candidate will work closely with the Assistant Operations Engineer and report directly to the Chief Engineer, combining hands‑on technical expertise with proactive operational oversight to support both guest experience and departmental excellence.

About the Role

The Preventative Assistant Engineer is responsible for implementing and managing preventative maintenance programs across all mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and building systems. This role includes Property Improvement Plan (PIP) management, Rooms Care documentation, annual maintenance schedules, departmental budgets, OPEX, and CAPEX support, while also mentoring and developing the engineering team. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and efficiency-driven, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement, solve problems independently, and maintain high operational standards in a luxury hotel or hospital environment.

Qualifications & Criteria

Minimum 3 years experience in building or facility maintenance / engineering, with at least 5 years in a similar maintenance management role in luxury hospitality or hospital facilities. Hotel or hospital experience is critical due to the 24 / 7 operational environment, multiple departments, shift-based teams, and high standards, where preventative maintenance directly impacts guest or patient experience and operational efficiency.

• Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and building systems.
• Hands‑on technical proficiency to perform inspections, repairs, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.
• Proven experience in managing, training, and developing staff, leading by example, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and maintenance reporting tools.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Experience assisting with budgets, OPEX, and CAPEX programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, identify opportunities, and implement process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Preventative Maintenance & Property Improvement Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all systems. Establish and manage annual maintenance schedules to ensure timely servicing. Collaborate with the Assistant Operations Engineer to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently. Lead and manage the Property Improvement Plan (PIP), ensuring upgrades, repairs, and improvements are completed efficiently. Maintain detailed maintenance records, including service histories, job cards, and Rooms Care documentation.
• Mechanical & Electrical Support Assist in servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC systems, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, electrical panels, and plumbing systems. Carry out minor installations, replacements, and adjustments as required. Monitor operational efficiency, recommending improvements to reduce downtime and extend equipment life. Support the execution of preventative maintenance tasks with attention to detail.
• Staff Management & Training Lead by example with a hands‑on approach, demonstrating high standards and technical best practices. Manage, mentor, and upskill engineering staff to enhance operational efficiency and career growth. Create a collaborative, positive team environment.
• Budgets, OPEX & CAPEX Programs Assist the Chief Engineer in developing, monitoring, and controlling departmental budgets and OPEX requirements. Support CAPEX planning and project implementation, including cost estimates and tracking expenditures.
• Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, Rooms Care, and OPEX activities in the CMMS. Prepare reports on equipment performance, preventative maintenance, operational improvements, and staff performance. Communicate effectively with all departments about upcoming maintenance work.
• Collaboration & Communication Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure timely completion of work orders and projects. Maintain proactive communication across all hotel departments.
• Emergency Response & Safety Compliance Respond promptly to emergency maintenance issues. Participate in on‑call duties. Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental regulations. Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and risk assessments. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Skills & Experience

Minimum 3 years experience in building or facility maintenance / engineering. At least 5 years in a similar role within luxury hotels or hospital facilities. Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and building systems. Hands‑on technical proficiency for inspection, repair, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Proven experience in staff management, mentoring, and team development. Familiarity with CMMS and maintenance reporting tools. Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and analytical skills. Experience assisting with budgets, OPEX, and CAPEX programs. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Personal Attributes

Proactive, hands‑on, and detail‑oriented. Lead and inspire teams through mentorship and technical guidance. Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities. Safety‑conscious, professional, and committed to operational excellence. Strong collaborator, focused on learning, development, and growth. Committed to equipment longevity, operational efficiency, and high standards. Effective communicator, ensuring work affecting guests or operations is executed smoothly. Efficiency‑driven with focus on minimizing OPEX and maximizing equipment lifespan. Open‑minded, proactive, and capable of identifying opportunities and improving processes.

About The Hotel

The President Hotel has rooms, multiple apartments, extensive public spaces, and specialized facilities, presenting unique engineering challenges across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. The Preventative Assistant Engineer is central to implementing and managing the Property Improvement Plan (PIP), Rooms Care documentation, annual maintenance schedules, budgets, OPEX, and CAPEX programs, ensuring operational efficiency, equipment longevity, and the continued luxury standards of The President Hotel.

Package on Offer

Competitive gross package with benefits. Medical aid contribution. Pension / provident fund contribution. Performance‑based incentives. This is a newly created, hands‑on engineering role with significant responsibility for preventative maintenance, operational efficiency, and staff development, suitable for candidates with hotel or hospital facilities experience.