Director of Engineering – Luxury Hotel Pre‑Opening

About the role

The Director of Engineering will lead all engineering, maintenance and technical operations for the pre‑opening and launch of the Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah, a flagship luxury hotel slated to open in 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee engineering, maintenance and technical operations during pre‑opening and ongoing hotel operations.
• Ensure compliance with local technical, health, safety and fire regulations, and manage the hotel’s fire‑safety program and training.
• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance plans to protect asset quality and uptime.
• Monitor and optimise energy efficiency and sustainability performance.
• Manage technical budgets, maintenance costs and engineering CAPEX in collaboration with ownership and other departments.
• Coordinate and supervise external contractors and service providers.
• Ensure technical readiness of guest areas, back‑of‑house and premium brand‑specific spaces.
• Lead, train and develop a high‑performing engineering team aligned with luxury service standards.

Required profile

• Extensive experience as Chief Engineer or senior engineering role in luxury or upscale hotels, including pre‑opening projects.
• Prior experience in the GCC region.
• Strong technical knowledge of hotel facilities, preventive maintenance and energy‑efficiency systems.
• Solid understanding of health, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Hands‑on leadership style with strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.

What we offer

• Competitive tax‑free salary.
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance.
• Duty meals, annual leave and public holidays in line with UAE Labour Law.
• Access to learning, leadership development and global career opportunities within Meliá Hotels International.
• Employee rates and exclusive discounts across Meliá hotels worldwide.