Chief Engineer

A visionary, highly skilled, and passionate Chief Engineer to lead the pre-opening and operational engineering journey of our upcoming upscale 4-Star hotel in Kuala Lumpur. This crucial leadership position will oversee the design integrity, safety, functionality, and sustainability of all engineering systems and facilities, ensuring the property meets and exceeds MOTAC 4-Star certification standards.

The Chief Engineer will be the guardian of technical excellence and operational reliability — leading with discipline, precision, and inspiration. He will build a motivated engineering team, implement world-class maintenance programs, and ensure that every guest experiences the comfort of flawless systems operating behind the scenes.

This is more than an engineering role; it is a mission of excellence and legacy. The Chief Engineer will leave a lasting mark on Kuala Lumpur's hospitality landscape by ensuring that the hotel stands as a model of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre-Opening Phase: Technical Leadership & Project Coordination

• Lead all technical and engineering pre-opening activities, ensuring timely completion of installations, testing, commissioning, and handover of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and life-safety systems.
• Liaise with project developers, architects, contractors, consultants, and local authorities to ensure design compliance, safety regulations, and quality standards are achieved.
• Review and approve as-built drawings, technical documentation, and equipment manuals, ensuring full alignment with operational needs and MOTAC requirements.
• Supervise testing and commissioning (T&C) for all critical systems including:
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
• Electrical distribution and power backup systems (main switchboards, generators, UPS)
• Plumbing, sanitary, and water treatment systems
• Fire detection and protection systems (FDAS, sprinklers, pumps, extinguishers)
• Lifts and escalators
• BMS (Building Management System) and automation controls
• CCTV, access control, and security systems
• Gas distribution and kitchen exhaust systems
• Ensure all plant rooms, mechanical spaces, and energy centers are designed with maximum safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
• Participate in pre-opening budgeting and procurement planning for engineering tools, uniforms, vehicles, spare parts, and materials.
• Establish a comprehensive engineering manual and SOP library tailored to brand standards and MOTAC compliance.

2. MOTAC 4-Star Certification & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the hotel's engineering facilities and systems fully comply with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) 4-Star rating criteria and Malaysian building codes.
• Maintain readiness for MOTAC inspections by ensuring all safety certifications and maintenance records are properly documented and up-to-date.
• Coordinate statutory inspections and approvals from local authorities including JKKP (DOSH), Bomba, TNB, SYABAS, DOE, and DBKL.
• Guarantee all energy, water, and safety systems meet sustainability and efficiency benchmarks consistent with MOTAC's environmental expectations.
• Prepare technical documentation for audits, including preventive maintenance schedules, asset registers, and energy reports.

3. Operational Setup & Maintenance Excellence

• Develop and implement the hotel's maintenance management system (CMMS) for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance scheduling.
• Establish an Asset Management Plan that includes lifecycle costing, warranty management, and replacement schedules.
• Create SOPs for all systems and facilities, including:
• Electrical and mechanical system operations
• Water treatment plant maintenance
• Fire protection and safety protocols
• Kitchen and laundry equipment servicing
• Swimming pool filtration system management
• Guestroom preventive maintenance (PM) routines
• Public area and back-of-house maintenance checklists
• Ensure uninterrupted utility services — power, water, gas, and HVAC — through proper load management and contingency planning.
• Develop energy efficiency programs to minimize consumption and environmental impact, incorporating renewable solutions where possible.
• Lead the establishment of spare parts inventory, workshop organization, and engineering store control

4. Team Leadership, Motivation & Training

• Recruit, train, and empower a team of engineers, technicians, and tradesmen to uphold the highest technical and service standards.
• Create a culture of pride, ownership, and excellence where every team member feels valued and motivated.
• Conduct regular training on:
• Equipment operation and maintenance procedures
• Fire, life, and safety response drills
• Energy management and environmental awareness
• Guestroom maintenance and service etiquette
• Lead by example — demonstrating discipline, professionalism, and a calm problem-solving approach even under pressure.
• Recognize achievements and promote teamwork, creating an engineering department admired for its reliability and unity.

5. Budgeting, Cost Control & Procurement

• Prepare and manage the engineering department's pre-opening and operational budgets, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Develop capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) forecasts, ensuring alignment with hotel management goals.
• Evaluate and negotiate with vendors, contractors, and service providers for maintenance agreements and technical supplies.
• Monitor utility consumption (electricity, water, gas) and implement cost-saving measures through smart engineering practices and system optimization.

6. Safety, Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Serve as the hotel's Safety Officer in collaboration with the Security and HR departments.
• Ensure all equipment is installed and maintained according to DOSH and Bomba regulations.
• Oversee all fire-life-safety systems including sprinklers, fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lights, and evacuation protocols.
• Develop and lead the hotel's emergency response team (ERT) and conduct regular evacuation drills.
• Implement lock-out/tag-out procedures and enforce safe work practices at all times.
• Maintain environmental compliance in waste management, water quality, and energy conservation.

7. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Stay abreast of the latest technologies in building management, energy systems, and sustainability innovations.
• Introduce smart automation, IoT-based monitoring, and predictive maintenance tools to improve efficiency and guest comfort.
• Benchmark the hotel's engineering performance against top regional properties and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the hotel's management team to integrate engineering solutions that enhance guest experiences — from lighting and climate control to acoustics and aesthetics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM5, RM6,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Maternity leave
• Meal allowance
• Meal provided
• Opportunities for promotion
• Parental leave
• Professional development

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Assistant Chief Engineer: 5 years (Required)
• Chief Engineer: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Chargeman (Required)

Work Location: In person