DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING📣 Job Ad

About the Director of Engineering Role

Kerten Hospitality (KH) is seeking a Director of Engineering to oversee all engineering operations for its properties. KH is an operator focused on creating lifestyle destinations, lodging, experiences, and communities, with a strong commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. The company is expanding its portfolio, with over 55 lodging projects planned internationally. This full-time position is based in Jeddah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and requires a minimum of 10 years of experience.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Director of Engineering will provide strategic leadership and direct oversight for all hotel engineering functions, encompassing guest rooms, public areas, and critical technical systems. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive maintenance programs for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and building systems. The Director will lead and mentor the engineering team, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include defining and driving capital improvement, renovation, and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and managing engineering budgets and cost controls to maximize efficiency.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all hotel engineering operations.
• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team.
• Define and drive long-term capital improvement and renovation projects.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Establish and oversee engineering budgets and cost controls.
• Build cross-departmental relationships for seamless operations and emergency response.
• Liaise with external contractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Report on engineering performance, KPIs, and project progress.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this position must possess extensive experience in hotel engineering or facilities management, with a demonstrated track record in a senior leadership role within the luxury hospitality sector. A deep technical understanding of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and building systems is essential. The role requires strong skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and capital project management, alongside exceptional leadership and people management abilities. Proficiency in reading blueprints and technical schematics, along with excellent problem-solving and communication skills, is necessary. A thorough knowledge of local and international safety, health, and environmental regulations is also required. Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities management.
• Proven senior leadership experience in luxury hospitality.
• Deep technical expertise across various building systems.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and capital project management skills.
• Exceptional leadership and people management abilities.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and technical schematics.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in engineering management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Work Location and Type

This is a full-time position based in the cities of Jeddah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role involves overseeing engineering operations within these dynamic locations, which offer a blend of cultural heritage and modern living.

About Kerten Hospitality

Kerten Hospitality (KH) is an end-to-end lifestyle hospitality operator dedicated to creating bespoke destinations, lodging, experiences, and communities. KH focuses on optimizing operations and driving profitability for investors while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. The company transforms destinations through impactful partnerships across various sectors, building ecosystems and community-centric destinations that connect international and local travelers. KH's values include Connection, Curation, Innovation, and Leading the Way.