Chief Engineer - Saij Mountain Retreat by Mantis

Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and eco-escapes located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.

Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for managing all engineering and maintenance operations during the pre-opening and post-opening phases of the hotel. This role requires strategic planning, technical expertise, and effective team management to ensure the hotel operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Chief Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining optimal facility conditions, supporting operational excellence, and enhancing guest satisfaction.

What is in it for you

• Engage in conservation efforts and help preserve wildlife.
• Enjoy sustainable adventures with exclusive rewards.
• Celebrate locality and heritage in a vibrant community.
• Advance your career with global development opportunities.
• Drive change through impactful social initiatives.
• Collaborate with a passionate, innovative team.
• Achieve success with a forward-thinking, excellence-driven company.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening and Post-Opening Phase:

• Oversee and coordinate all engineering and technical preparations during the pre-opening phase, including the installation, commissioning, and operational readiness of hotel systems and equipment.
• Establish and implement maintenance and operational strategies to ensure seamless engineering transitions into the post-opening phase.
• Post-opening, ensure sustained operational efficiency of all engineering systems and infrastructure, adapting processes as needed to meet the evolving demands of the property.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide strong leadership and direction to the engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, productivity, and teamwork.
• Drive performance standards, ensuring team members are aligned with organisational goals and consistently deliver exceptional results.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement comprehensive engineering strategies to support both pre-opening and ongoing operational goals.
• Optimise processes to enhance the efficiency, functionality, and longevity of hotel facilities across all operational stages.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Manage the engineering department's budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources while controlling costs.
• Evaluate operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety.

Maintenance and Operational Oversight:

• Pre-opening: Oversee the testing, commissioning, and handover of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural systems.
• Post-opening: Implement robust preventative maintenance programmes to minimise downtime and ensure the smooth operation of all systems and infrastructure.
• Address and resolve operational challenges promptly to minimise any disruption to guest experience or hotel operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure all engineering operations comply with applicable codes, laws, and regulations, including safety and environmental standards.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to maintain a safe, compliant, and risk-free environment for guests and staff.

Project Management:

• Lead and oversee engineering-related projects, including renovations, capital improvements, and system upgrades during both pre-opening and post-opening phases.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

Vendor and Contractor Management:

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Negotiate contracts and monitor service delivery to ensure quality, cost-efficiency, and adherence to agreements.

Team Development and Growth:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop the engineering team, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, skill enhancement, and team engagement.

• Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years of as Head of Engineering department, preferably on a remote (island) location with mandatory pre-opening experience. UAE experience is desirable.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Regulatory Compliance: A deep understanding of UAE building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards. Experience in implementing and maintaining safety programs to ensure a secure and compliant working environment.
• Technical: Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and building management systems (BMS).

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

About Mantis Collection: Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely-acclaimed Private Game Reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably. From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS