Position: Chief Engineer

Department: Engineering / Property Operations & Maintenance

Reports to: General Manager

Who are we?

We are a 5-star luxury lifestyle boutique hotel located in the heart of Chelsea. Set in a 19th century building next to Sloane Square station and featuring a rooftop restaurant, an intimate cocktail bar, and thirty exceptionally designed bedrooms, the property has been elegantly restored to create unique experiences.

Within one of London’s most stylish interiors, the hotel combines the quintessentially British style of the Cadogan Estate with a unique French touch. Designed as an exceptional and inspiring destination, it highlights the distinguished and historic pedigree of the Sloane Square Conservation Area in a private and intimate setting.

Independently run, the hotel employs passionate, focused individuals with a determination to succeed. To assist us in hosting our wonderful clients, we are on the search for the ambassadors of this truly unique property. They will be given the opportunity to make their own mark while delivering an exceptional service of unparalleled quality.

What will I be doing?

We are looking for an experienced, innovative, and hands-on Chief Engineer to lead our Engineering department. In this role, you will ensure the seamless operation of all building systems and equipment while overseeing all technical and maintenance operations.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will lead a small but dedicated team of engineers. Your role will combine technical expertise with administrative responsibilities, including financial management, compliance oversight, and driving key initiatives in sustainability, Health & Safety, and capital expenditure (CAPEX). You will also oversee the implementation of preventative maintenance programmes and work to optimise operational efficiency.

While you won't be directly interacting with guests, your work will take place in public areas, requiring a professional presentation and a commitment to minimising any disruption for our guests. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the engineering culture of a flagship boutique hotel.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all repair and maintenance activities to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Maintain the property in pristine condition, ensuring compliance with brand standards.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive preventative maintenance programme.
• Create and manage a detailed hotel maintenance schedule.
• Supervise and maintain all technical systems and installations.
• Manage relationships with contractors and suppliers, ensuring maximum value for the hotel.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations, creating a safe environment for both guests and staff. Conduct routine inspections and audits to proactively identify and resolve potential issues.
• Monitor and optimise utility usage to improve environmental sustainability and ESG performance.
• Manage departmental budgets with a strong focus on performance tracking and cost control.
• Assist with forecasting and planning departmental financials, including CAPEX, and collaborate with other departments to address maintenance and operational needs promptly.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of engineers, supporting their growth and development. Schedule and supervise maintenance activities to minimise disruption to hotel operations.

Please note that this list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and employees are expected to be flexible in performing any duties that may arise.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate is a dedicated professional with a strong technical background and a passion for excellence. The following qualifications and attributes are required:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a high-end hotel environment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills in an engineering setting.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to anticipate and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Exceptional time management and organisational skills, enabling you to thrive under pressure.
• A high degree of personal integrity, confidentiality, and professional presentation.
• A flexible approach to working hours, aligned with the operational needs of the hotel.

What will I get?

We value and reward our team with a competitive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience, including a discretionary bonus scheme.
• Generous service charge, providing excellent additional earnings potential.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement based on length of service.
• Complimentary meals while on duty.
• Comprehensive HSF Health Plan, featuring:
• Dental and optical reimbursements.
• Coverage for your partner and children.
• Access to a 24/7 GP advice line and counselling services.
• Discounts on shopping, cinema tickets, and gym memberships.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.*
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Contributory pension scheme.*

*Upon successful completion of the probation period.