Director of Engineering

Company description

Established in 2000 in Turkey, Rixos pioneers the ‘all inclusive, all exclusive’ concept, inviting guests to discover a world of possibilities, with luxurious stays, inclusive of culinary delights from around the globe, live entertainment, daily sports, and fitness activities, sensorial spa and wellness journeys and fun-filled kids and teens activities. Each Rixos property presents a unique experience inspired by local culture, global influences, and our Turkish heritage, all within a setting of unparalleled luxury.

Job description

Position summary:

Rixos Baghdad is seeking a strategic and results-driven director of engineering to join the executive committee and lead the engineering department in maintaining and enhancing the property’s infrastructure. The director of engineering will be responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and optimization of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other critical infrastructure. This leadership role will also drive sustainability initiatives, manage departmental budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, while working closely with other senior leaders to align engineering objectives with the overall property strategy.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership and strategic oversight: Provide leadership to the engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and operational efficiency. Lead the engineering department in line with the property’s long-term goals and objectives. Act as a key member of the executive committee to drive property-wide strategies, ensuring engineering is aligned with business objectives.

Operational excellence: Oversee the operation and performance of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and refrigeration systems. Ensure systems are functioning at peak performance levels, minimizing downtime, and addressing any operational issues swiftly.

Budget and financial management: Develop, manage, and oversee the engineering department's budget, ensuring effective cost control and financial efficiency. Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost optimization, while maintaining high standards of quality and service.

Sustainability and energy management: Lead sustainability efforts by implementing energy-efficient systems and practices that reduce environmental impact. Develop and oversee energy management strategies and green initiatives to ensure the property’s operations contribute to long-term sustainability goals.

Project and capital planning: Manage large-scale engineering projects such as system upgrades, capital improvements, renovations, and new installations. Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of these projects, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and operational requirements.

Compliance and safety standards: Ensure the property’s engineering operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, health and safety standards, and industry best practices. Lead audits and inspections, addressing any potential risks and ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Team development and training: Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team, ensuring all staff are trained, motivated, and aligned with company goals. Implement training programs to enhance staff skills and ensure adherence to industry standards.

Collaboration with executive committee: Work closely with the general manager and other department heads to develop and implement strategies for operational improvements, cost management, and achieving overall business objectives. Provide regular updates to the executive committee on engineering department performance, challenges, and key initiatives.

Guest satisfaction and operational support: Ensure that engineering systems are optimized to support guest experiences and operational efficiency. Address any guest-related or operational issues involving engineering systems promptly to ensure minimal disruption to services.

Risk and crisis management: Identify and mitigate risks related to building systems, including infrastructure failures or safety hazards. Develop emergency protocols and lead crisis management efforts when necessary to ensure business continuity.

Technology and innovation: Stay current with new technologies, systems, and industry trends. Introduce innovative solutions that enhance building performance, operational efficiency, and the guest experience.

Documentation and reporting: Maintain thorough records of all engineering activities, including maintenance logs, compliance audits, and project updates. Provide regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) and areas for improvement.

Vendor and contractor management: Manage vendor relationships, ensuring all contracts are negotiated effectively and service levels meet the property’s requirements. Supervise and evaluate the work of contractors and third-party service providers to ensure quality and adherence to deadlines.

Qualifications

Education: A degree in engineering, facilities management, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: At least 10 years of experience in building maintenance, engineering, or facilities management, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role. Previous experience in a hospitality or large-scale property setting is highly preferred.

Leadership and strategic skills: Proven leadership experience, with a strong ability to manage and motivate a large engineering team. Ability to make strategic decisions that align with the property’s overall business goals.

Technical expertise: Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and other building systems. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), energy management, and sustainability technologies is an advantage.

Financial and budget management: Demonstrated experience in managing departmental budgets, controlling costs, and identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high-quality standards.

Sustainability and energy efficiency: Strong background in sustainability practices and energy management. Ability to implement energy-efficient systems and drive green initiatives within the property.

Project management: Experience managing large capital improvement projects, system installations, and renovations. Ability to oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring they meet time, cost, and quality targets.

Compliance and safety knowledge: Strong understanding of local, state, and federal regulations, building codes, health and safety standards, and industry best practices. Experience with ensuring full compliance across engineering operations.

Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, engineering teams, contractors, and other departments.

Problem-solving and decision-making: Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions quickly in complex situations. Ability to manage and resolve crises effectively.

Customer and operational focused: Strong commitment to ensuring that engineering operations support exceptional guest service and smooth daily operations, with minimal disruption.

Innovation and technology focus: Passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in building systems, sustainability, and engineering management. Ability to integrate innovative solutions into operations.