Cluster Dir. Engineering

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Cluster Director of Engineering to oversee the maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency of multiple properties within our portfolio. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that all engineering and facilities operations align with corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and financial objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of property management, technical systems, and budgetary controls, with a proven track record of driving operational excellence in high-performance environments.

Key Responsibilities

The Cluster Director of Engineering will be responsible for the comprehensive management of engineering operations across multiple properties, including:

• Strategic Leadership and Budget Management:
  • Collaborate with property and regional leadership to evaluate engineering performance against budgetary targets, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions to optimize financial outcomes.
  • Develop and execute engineering operating strategies that align with the property and brand’s long-term business objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
  • Oversee the preparation, management, and monitoring of departmental budgets, including controllable expenses such as wages, utilities, maintenance supplies, and vendor contracts.
  • Review financial reports, operating statements, and payroll progress to assess performance and propose proactive solutions to address potential concerns.
• Technical and Operational Oversight:
  • Manage the physical plant, including HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, plumbing, refrigeration, water treatment, and fire safety systems, in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory standards.
  • Administer and oversee service contracts to ensure alignment with property needs and compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Develop and implement long-term preventative maintenance programs and 10-year asset protection plans to extend the lifecycle of critical systems and reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Supervise construction and renovation projects to ensure timely completion within budgetary and quality guidelines, while minimizing operational disruptions.
• Compliance and Safety Management:
  • Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including building codes, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
  • Maintain and inspect life safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency response equipment, to guarantee operational readiness.
  • Verify that all property licenses, permits, and certifications are current and in good standing across all managed units.
  • Lead the emergency response team for facility-related incidents, ensuring swift and effective resolution to minimize risk and downtime.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to the engineering leadership team to enhance their ability to manage controllable expenses and operational performance.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence through clear communication of departmental goals and performance expectations.
  • Educate staff on the financial and operational impact of their roles, aligning individual performance with the broader financial goals of the properties.
• Stakeholder and Vendor Management:
  • Serve as the primary liaison between engineering operations, property management, and external stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Negotiate and manage service agreements to ensure cost-effective and high-quality support for property needs.
  • Prepare and present weekly and period-end profit and loss (P&L) critiques to property leadership, highlighting key trends and actionable insights.

Candidate Profile

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Education:
  • A high school diploma or GED, supplemented by a minimum of 6 years of experience in engineering, maintenance, or a related field, along with technical training in HVAC-R, electrical, or plumbing systems.
  • OR
  • A 2-year degree from an accredited university in Building and Construction, Engineering, Mechanics, or a related discipline, combined with at least 4 years of relevant experience in engineering and maintenance, including technical training in HVAC-R, electrical, or plumbing systems.
• Experience:
  • Proven leadership experience in managing multiple properties or large-scale facilities, with a strong understanding of budgetary controls, preventative maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and financial performance.
  • Experience in managing capital expenditure projects, energy conservation programs, and vendor relationships.
  • In-depth knowledge of life safety systems, building codes, and emergency response protocols.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a results-driven mindset.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Proficiency in financial management, including budget preparation, cost control, and P&L analysis.
  • Technical expertise in HVAC-R, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.
  • Leadership acumen, with a focus on team development, performance management, and operational excellence.

Work Environment and Location

This full-time, on-site position is based at our facility located at 3243 Al Salam Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The role requires hands-on oversight of multiple properties, with a focus on ensuring operational excellence, safety, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader capable of balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.