Assistant Chief Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Chief Engineer to join the pre-opening team of Delano London.

Under the general guidance of the Chief Engineer, the Assistant Chief Engineer supports the planning and execution of maintenance and safety objectives across the property. This role assists in overseeing the engineering team, ensuring that all building systems, equipment, and infrastructure are operating efficiently and safely. The Assistant helps coordinate daily operations, supports preventive maintenance programs, and ensures timely completion of repairs and projects. In addition, this position plays a key role in upholding the property's appearance and functionality, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and staff.

What you'll do...

• Support the Chief Engineer in the day-to-day management of the Engineering Department.
• Lead and supervise engineers and maintenance colleagues, ensuring high standards of workmanship and professionalism.
• Carry out regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house areas, plant rooms and building services.
• Manage and prioritise reactive maintenance requests and ensure timely resolution.
• Support the implementation and delivery of the hotel's planned preventative maintenance programme.
• Monitor critical plant and systems including HVAC, heating, hot water, electrical systems, pumps, BMS and life-safety systems.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, asset registers, maintenance logs and statutory compliance documentation.
• Support statutory inspections and testing, ensuring actions are identified, tracked and closed out.
• Assist with fire safety systems, emergency lighting, fire doors, life-safety equipment and other critical compliance requirements.
• Ensure accessibility and guest-safety equipment, including DDA pull cords and baby-changing facilities, are regularly inspected and maintained.
• Manage and supervise external contractors, ensuring safe working practices, quality standards and appropriate permits are followed.
• Ensure contractors comply with hotel procedures, RAMS, permits to work and relevant health & safety requirements.
• Assist with energy, water and utility monitoring and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Respond effectively to engineering emergencies and minimise disruption to guests and hotel operations.
• Support the Chief Engineer with budgeting, procurement and control of engineering expenditure.
• Maintain appropriate levels of engineering spares, tools and consumables.
• Work closely with Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Security and other departments to resolve operational issues.
• Participate in an on-call and emergency response rota as required.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with relevant legislation, British Standards, manufacturer requirements and hotel procedures.

Qualifications

What we're looking for...

We are looking for an experienced engineering professional with a strong background in hotel, luxury hospitality, commercial building or high-end residential engineering.

• Previous experience as an Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering Supervisor or Senior Shift Engineer or similar.
• Strong practical knowledge of building services and maintenance.
• Good understanding of HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and water systems.
• Experience managing or supervising engineering teams.
• Experience working with contractors and specialist service providers.
• Good understanding of statutory compliance and planned preventative maintenance.
• Strong health & safety awareness.
• Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Good IT and maintenance-management-system skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A professional approach with a strong attention to detail.

Relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds, NVQ, BTEC, electrical or mechanical qualifications, IOSH, Legionella/L8 awareness, water hygiene or other relevant engineering qualifications would be advantageous.

What’s in it for you…

• The opportunity to launch a visionary hospitality brand in London and shape its culinary identity.
• Join a fast-growing international group focused on building a global hospitality brand.
• A creative, ambitious environment where innovation and excellence are encouraged.
• Be part of a passionate team building a strong portfolio of hospitality concepts.
• A competitive package with strong development opportunities.
• At Delano London, innovation, excellence and guest-centricity are core. The culture is collaborative and inspiring, with values rooted in authenticity, sophistication and redefining luxury hospitality

Additional Information

Why Delano London?

Be part of the team bringing an iconic brand into its next chapter. At Delano London, personality counts, ideas are welcomed and everyone plays a part in creating something memorable. We work hard, make it fun and look out for one another, with opportunities to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships across Delano, Ennismore and Accor.

Alongside a supportive and creative team culture, you’ll have access to a range of colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group, and the opportunity to work within a global community of distinctive lifestyle and hospitality brands.