Assistant Director of Engineering

Company Description

The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, set to open its doors in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, will be the first Fairmont brand in Thailand. This 416-room luxury hotel, taking design inspiration from the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and contemporary dynamism, will offer an exquisite blend of traditional Thai aesthetics and modern sophistication. Positioned as an urban resort, our guests will be able to enjoy a very special and unique range of offerings such as eight dining and bar venues including a rooftop terrace, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, an extensive gym and an entire floor of wellness spa. For corporate and social groups, the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will offer two ballrooms, as well as eight meeting rooms, making it an outstanding destination for meetings, conferencing and events. The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is set to become the social epicenter of Bangkok, embodying our belief that a Fairmont is a truly special place!

Job Description

Position: Assistant Director of Engineering

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Working Location: Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit or any assigned venues

The Assistant Director of Engineering is responsible for supporting the Director of Engineering in the strategic and operational management of the hotel's engineering department. This role is pivotal in ensuring the flawless operation of all physical assets, systems, and equipment, creating a safe, comfortable, and special environment for our guests and colleagues. As a leader, you will be instrumental in making special happen by upholding Forbes 5-Star standards of maintenance and cleanliness, and embodying our spirit of turning moments into special memories through your meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach to maintenance. This position is accountable for the physical upkeep of the hotel, ensuring all operations align with Fairmont's commitment to consistently deliver a balanced scorecard and make our community a better place. You will be a champion for our belief that our colleagues are the heart and soul of our hotel, empowering them to deliver exceptional experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management & Maintenance:
  • Assist the Director of Engineering in overseeing all aspects of the hotel's engineering operations, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and capital projects, to ensure the hotel's infrastructure is always in impeccable condition, reinforcing our belief that a Fairmont is a truly special place.
  • Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for all hotel equipment, systems, and facilities, ensuring they operate efficiently and reliably, thereby minimizing disruptions and providing an invitation to surprise our guests with a seamless experience.
  • Supervise the daily operations of the engineering team, ensuring timely and effective resolution of all maintenance requests and issues.
  • Conduct regular inspections of all hotel areas, identifying and addressing maintenance needs proactively to uphold Forbes 5-Star standards.
  • Oversee the maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life safety systems, ensuring all systems are fully functional and compliant with safety standards.
• Fire, Life, and Safety (FLS) & Brand Safety Audit Management:
  • Take full ownership of the end-to-end FLS process, including the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all hotel-wide FLS procedures and protocols.
  • Collaborate with the Security and Talent & Culture departments to design and execute comprehensive FLS training for all colleagues, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of FLS equipment.
  • Manage the hotel’s FLS systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting, ensuring they are regularly inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with local regulations and brand standards.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external FLS inspections and regulatory bodies, ensuring all documentation is meticulously maintained and readily available.
  • Oversee the entire Brand Safety Audit process, from pre-audit preparation and internal inspections to the development and implementation of corrective action plans, ensuring all findings are resolved promptly and effectively.
  • Act as a key member of the Hotel Safety Committee, providing expert guidance on FLS matters and contributing to a proactive safety culture that protects our guests and colleagues.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead, mentor, and coach the engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Inspire the team to embody our character traits of being genuine, approachable, and empathetic in all interactions, both with colleagues and guests.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback to team members, supporting their professional growth and development.
  • Champion our belief that our colleagues are the heart and soul of our hotel, ensuring they have the necessary training and tools to perform their duties safely and effectively.
  • Promote a collaborative and supportive team environment, where we are connectors, working together to achieve common goals.
• Safety, Compliance & Sustainability:
  • Collaborate closely with the Safety Officer, Quality Manager, and other departmental leaders to proactively identify and mitigate safety hazards, ensuring the well-being and security of both guests and colleagues.
  • Ensure all engineering operations strictly comply with local government regulations, labor laws, and Accor's internal policies, including those from the Department of Labor and other relevant agencies.
  • Champion the hotel's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, actively participating in the ESG Committee to drive sustainability efforts, energy conservation, and waste management. This reflects our belief that we must hold ourselves accountable to helping make our community a better place.
  • Manage and document all safety training and compliance records required by law, including fire safety, first aid, and other legally mandated training.
• Financial Management & Administration:
  • Assist the Director of Engineering in developing and managing the departmental budget, ensuring all expenditures are optimized and aligned with hotel objectives.
  • Oversee the procurement of all engineering supplies, equipment, and services, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
  • Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, work orders, and asset inventories.
  • Prepare regular reports on departmental performance, budget variances, and key projects for the Director of Engineering and hotel leadership.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to ensure all financial processes are aligned with our belief of consistently delivering a balanced scorecard.
• Project Management & Brand Standards:
  • Support the Director of Engineering in managing pre-opening and ongoing capital projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
  • Ensure all physical aesthetics of the hotel strictly adhere to Fairmont brand guidelines, maintaining the elegance and sophistication of the brand.
  • Work closely with the design and project teams to ensure the hotel's physical infrastructure supports our inspirational dream to show the world that true luxury is inclusive.
• Departmental Support & Flexibility:
  • Provide comprehensive support to the Engineering department in all assignments and projects as directed by the Director of Engineering, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative spirit.
  • Be prepared to respond to emergencies and be available for operational needs outside of standard working hours, including weekends, to ensure the hotel's continuous and special operation.

Prospective & Expectation: At Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, we believe that everyone is the Guest Service, Security, Sales & Marketing, and Human Resources Person. This means:

• Guest Service: Every interaction is an opportunity to delight and create a truly special experience, reflecting our commitment to turning moments into special memories and achieving Forbes 5-Star service. Every guest interaction is an invitation to surprise.
• Security: We are all responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our guests and colleagues, which is reinforced through effective training on safety protocols and compliance.
• Sales & Marketing: We actively identify and pursue opportunities to promote our exceptional offerings and enhance the hotel's reputation by ensuring our colleagues are skilled, confident, and professional brand ambassadors.
• Human Resources: We contribute to a positive and supportive work environment, fostering growth and well-being for our team members. We hold ourselves accountable to helping make our community a better place by promoting sustainability and CSR.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in a dedicated engineering role within a luxury hotel or hospitality environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Proven expertise in managing building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
• Strong understanding of local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards in Thailand.
• Demonstrated experience in managing preventive maintenance programs and capital projects.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of Thai Labor Law as it pertains to engineering and safety, as well as a comprehensive understanding of PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) at a level sufficient to ensure compliance within the department.
• Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English and Thai is a must, essential for effective communication with a diverse team and guests.
• Proficiency in a third language will be considered a significant advantage.
• Good working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Experience in integrating sustainability and CSR principles into departmental operations.

Competencies:

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities, with a proven track record of inspiring and developing a high-performing team.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on proactive maintenance and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), allowing you to connect authentically with colleagues at all levels and build lasting relationships.
• Highly empathetic, approachable, and genuine in all interactions, building trust and rapport.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to assess maintenance needs and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Results-oriented with an unwavering eye for detail and strong organizational skills, ensuring programs are flawlessly executed.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure.
• A strategic thinker with an innovative mindset, constantly seeking creative ways to enhance operational effectiveness.
• A true team player & builder, fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Well-presented and professionally groomed at all times, embodying the elegance and sophistication of the Fairmont brand.