Director Of Engineering (F/M/X)

About Orient Express
Artisan of Travel since 1883, Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present, and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion. Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveller to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury; Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a train embodying the ‘Made in Italy’ way; Orient Express Silenseas – the world’s largest sailing ship; and hotels coming to Rome and Venice.

About Arsenale
Arsenale is a multi-brand Group capable of providing a comprehensive service to the largest and most renowned luxury global market operators who wish to expand in Italy. Founded and supported by internationally renowned entrepreneurs and investors, Arsenale aims at creating the leading luxury hospitality group in Italy. To pursue this ambition, the Group launched an impressive investments plan to boost tourism and made-in-Italy through the re-development and enhancement of iconic hotels and hospitality solutions in the most beautiful locations of the country.

About Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
Considered as the beloved capital of the Orient Express legend, Rome will be home to the first Orient Express hotel, Minerva, in 2024. Orient Express, in partnership with the Italian luxury hotel group Arsenale S.p.A, has entrusted the interior architecture and artistic direction of the hotel to Hugo Toro. The former Palazzo Fonseca is a sumptuous 17th-century palace with a huge, majestic façade. A place of memory still adorned with its Roman columns, sculptures by Rinaldi Rinaldo, a disciple of Casanova, and the fascinating goddess Minerva. At the end of 2024, a new décor and interior inspired by the Roman domus and the riches of the “Eternal City” will be revealed with a new touch of contemporary elegance. The Hotel is committed to providing an exceptional guest experience, boasting unparalleled elegance, world-class amenities, and impeccable service.

Role: Director of Engineering (F / M / X)

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: Rome

Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the pre-opening of the hotel (and residences if requested) and ensure all the MEP and FLS systems are handed over correctly.
2. Assist in “punching” the building and ensuring the repairs completed by the contractors and sub-contractors.
3. Build a highly technical engineering team and oversee the engineering department with attention to details and follow-up to ensure satisfactory completion of tasks and projects.
4. Maintain all equipment and systems in correct operational status including but not limited to Accor MEP standards, Fire & Life Safety standards, Risk Management, environmental standards, expenditures, and project management.
5. Ensure proper completion of the Preventive Maintenance Program for guest rooms, public areas, and safety systems while working closely with the Rooms Division, Food & Beverage Department, Security, purchasing and other operational departments.
6. Maintain all mechanical rooms inclusive of Boiler Plant, HVAC equipment, chilled water circulation, air handling units, fan coils, VAVs, motors, pumps etc.
7. Build-up, control and manage the monthly and annual engineering department budget and expenses.
8. Prepare the expense accruals of the department on a monthly basis and manage hotel energy and water usage and all associated costs.
9. Assist in preparation of CAPEX expenditures for the engineering department and assist all other departments in preparing their CAPEX needs.
10. Identify issues and provide solutions, inclusive of outsourcing and managing 3rd party companies.
11. Manage projects related to renovations and replacements within the hotel.
12. Run landscaping operations both summer and winter.
13. Pool operations knowledge inclusive of water treatment.
14. Understand water treatment for closed systems and maintain all related logs for testing of chemicals balance and legionella control.
15. Work closely with the purchasing department to source the best products for the least cost.
16. Monitor the Hotel’s Energy consumption on a daily and monthly basis.
17. Ensure prompt response to maintenance requests from guests, employees, and management of the Hotel.
18. Recruit, schedule, manage payroll, conduct performance appraisals and reviews, and provide training and development for all engineering colleagues.
19. Coordinate and complete all audits related to engineering and risk management.
20. Responsible for departmental health and safety, training programs, and statutory compliance.
21. Manage the hotel emergency response team in coordination with Security and hotel management.
22. Coordinate and manage outside contractors.
23. Ensure hotel compliance with all City and State regulations and ordinances.
24. Actively participate in the Hotel’s Energy Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and Environmental programs.
25. Lead and support a diverse team in the operations and maintenance of the hotel including general maintenance, HVAC, kitchen repairs, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and grounds.
26. Setup and attend monthly departmental meetings for the engineering colleagues.
27. Manage at hotel level ACCOR’s Energy / Sustainability Programs.
28. Be available on an ‘on-call’ basis during off hours for emergency situations.
29. Attend to all requests from the GM and Director of Operations.

Experience and Skills:

1. Bachelors’ degree in the engineering field with a minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a similar position at an ultra-luxury hotel OR a technical degree with 10+ years in a similar position with project management experience in the hospitality industry.
2. English speaking & written is required.
3. Hotel opening experience is preferred.
4. Experience working with consultants, contractors and suppliers relating to projects and startup of new MEP & FLS systems, including new technologies such as VRF HVAC systems, AV equipment, BMS / GRMS.
5. Experience in Operation & Maintenance Software.
6. Team player and a proven team builder.
7. Professional Engineer Designation is an asset.
8. Knowledgeable in all local codes to compare & adapt to Accor - Technical Services Standards.
9. Proven negotiation skills with 3rd parties and contractors.
10. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
11. Highly organized with the ability to be flexible, and to work well under pressure.
12. Must be computer literate and familiar with computerized maintenance systems.
13. Must lead by example by displaying a high standard of performance with the ability to communicate these expectations to the team to achieve above expectation results.
14. Able to work in a fast-paced, upscale, luxury hotel at a downtown location that caters to leisure, meetings & conference environments.

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