Chief Engineer

Company Description

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Engineer to join the pre-opening team of Delano London. Reporting to the Director of Rooms, you'll be responsible for the overall management of the hotel’s facilities and equipment, budgets, regulatory compliances and everything in between.

Set to open its doors in 2026, Delano London will fuse historic charm with contemporary luxury, reflecting a reimagined experience that pays homage to the original visionary concept. The 67-key luxury retreat will blend soft minimalist design, generous living spaces and park views creating a distinctive lifestyle destination where design, dining, nightlife and wellbeing seamlessly converge.

Job Description

What you’ll do…

• Responsible for the overall maintenance, technical performance and safe operation of the hotel’s facilities and equipment, overseeing all engineering systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life safety, building management systems and plant.
• Support the pre-opening phase of Delano London, including project handover, defect management, operational readiness, testing and commissioning, snagging, documentation and the transition from construction to hotel operation.
• Ensure that the maintenance budget, service contracts, utility costs and stock levels are controlled, ensuring that all expenses are kept in line with budget guidelines.
• To be fully aware, and ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, fire, statutory, insurance, legal and brand requirements.
• Ensure that there are effective PPM schedules in place, supported by clear records, ownership and follow-up.
• Manage the onsite activity of all contractors, service providers and external inspections, ensuring quality, timely work and minimal impact on the guest experience.
• Order all maintenance supplies and ensure stock controls are in place.
• Maintain records of all machinery and equipment including manufacturers details, specifications, manuals, warranties, certificates, asset registers and service histories.
• Ensure that all fire safety equipment, emergency systems and statutory inspections are maintained and tested in a timely manner.
• Arrange and co-ordinate quotations from suppliers in relation to maintenance work, repairs, small projects and lifecycle requirements.
• Lead and manage a team of high-energy people who love our guests, by setting and monitoring goals, empowering and developing them, and creating an environment where people can be themselves.
• Pro-actively identify opportunities to improve and enhance processes, procedures, energy performance, sustainability and operational efficiency.
• To be a member of the hotel crisis and fire teams, and to be fully conversant in all related procedures.
• Pro-actively project manage any changes in policies and procedures within the engineering function.
• Achieve and maintain the highest possible levels of customer service to both external and internal customers, forging long-term relationships with suppliers and contractors.
• Work closely with Rooms, F&B, Security, Finance and the wider leadership team to ensure engineering supports the delivery of a seamless luxury guest experience.
• Cover shift engineer shifts as required, while ensuring appropriate leadership, planning and support for the wider team.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for…

• You have solid technical knowledge and previous experience in a senior engineering or maintenance role, ideally within the hotel industry.
• Previous pre-opening experience would be a plus, particularly within luxury, lifestyle or complex mixed-use hospitality environments.
• You know your way around building systems and maintenance tools, and you understand the importance of documentation, compliance, statutory testing and safe working practices.
• You have experience supporting project handover, snagging, defect management, contractor coordination and the set-up of PPM systems.
• You have managed maintenance works, service providers and small projects from start to finish, including responsibility for budgets and quality control.
• A natural at leading and managing others, you lead by example and create an environment where your team can be their best self.
• You understand that in a luxury hotel, engineering is not only about fixing things; it is about protecting the guest experience, the building, the brand and the team.
• A balance between a methodical, process and results driven approach and flexibility and creativity when it comes to juggling multiple priorities, meeting deadlines and finding solutions.
• You are comfortable with the hands-on detail as well as the need to plan, organise, document and follow through.
• You are an excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams, leaders, suppliers, contractors and ownership; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together.
• Culturally aware and globally minded, able to inspire teams in diverse, international environments.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you…

• The opportunity to launch a visionary hospitality brand in London and have a real impact on its success.
• Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and building a portfolio of brands.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.