Director of Technical Services

About This Role

The Director of Technical Services is responsible for overseeing all engineering, maintenance, and technical functions across the existing hotel portfolio while providing strategic technical expertise and due diligence support for new hotel opportunities under review and development (including HMA and Franchise projects).

This role ensures that all properties operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with brand standards, while also supporting asset growth through technical evaluation, project execution, and pre-opening readiness.

Key Responsibilities

1. Portfolio Technical Operations (Existing Hotels)

• Oversee engineering and maintenance operations across all operating hotels.
• Ensure optimal performance of building systems (MEP, HVAC, life safety, BMS, etc.).
• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and costs.
• Monitor CapEx planning and execution across the portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Local regulations and civil defense requirements
• Brand standards (where applicable)
• Health, safety, and environmental standards
• Optimize utility consumption and sustainability initiatives (energy, water, waste).
• Support hotel teams in resolving major technical issues and operational challenges.

2. Technical Support for New Projects (HMA / Pipeline)

• Lead technical due diligence for new hotel opportunities under HMA or lease structures.
• Review and assess:
• Building condition reports
• MEP systems lifecycle and upgrade requirements
• CapEx requirements and technical risks
• Provide input on:
• Feasibility studies
• Technical budgets and development costs
• Project timelines and phasing strategies
• Support negotiations by identifying technical risks and cost implications.

3. Design & Development Oversight

• Review and approve design submissions (Architecture, Interior Design, MEP).
• Ensure alignment with:
• Brand standards
• Operational efficiency
• Cost optimization
• Provide value engineering recommendations without compromising quality.
• Coordinate with consultants, developers, and brand representatives.

4. Project Management & Pre-Opening

• Oversee renovation, refurbishment, and new build projects across the portfolio.
• Ensure projects are delivered:
• On time
• Within budget
• In line with approved specifications
• Lead technical aspects of pre-opening for new hotels:
• Systems testing & commissioning
• Snagging and defect resolution
• Operational readiness of engineering systems
• Support procurement of technical equipment and service contracts (AMCs).

5. Financial & CapEx Management

• Prepare and manage annual CapEx budgets across all properties.
• Track CapEx spend vs. budget and ensure ROI-driven investments.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities across engineering operations.
• Support asset management and ownership reporting with technical insights.

6. Vendor & Contract Management

• Establish and manage relationships with key technical vendors and contractors.
• Review and negotiate service agreements (AMCs, maintenance contracts).
• Ensure service quality and cost efficiency across all contracts.

7. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with local authority regulations and permits.
• Oversee life safety systems and emergency preparedness across properties.
• Develop and implement technical SOPs and standards across the portfolio.
• Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks.

8. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor property-level Chief Engineers and engineering teams.
• Standardize engineering practices across all hotels.
• Drive a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or equivalent).
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in hospitality engineering/technical services.
• At least 5 years in a senior regional or corporate role .
• Strong experience in:
• Hotel operations (engineering)
• New hotel development / pre-opening
• CapEx planning and execution
• Experience working with HMA structures and multiple brands is highly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong technical expertise across MEP systems and hotel infrastructure
• Strategic thinking with strong commercial awareness
• Project management and execution excellence
• Financial acumen (CapEx, ROI, budgeting)
• Stakeholder management (owners, brands, consultants)
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure