About the Role

Elaf Group is seeking a Director of Technical Services to lead all engineering, maintenance, and technical functions across its existing hotel portfolio. Based in Jeddah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia, this full-time position also provides strategic technical expertise and due diligence support for new hotel opportunities under review and development, including HMA and Franchise projects. The role ensures that all properties operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with brand standards, while supporting asset growth through technical evaluation, project execution, and pre-opening readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering and maintenance operations across all operating hotels, ensuring optimal performance of building systems (MEP, HVAC, life safety, BMS, etc.).
• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and costs, and monitor CapEx planning and execution across the portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, civil defense requirements, brand standards, and health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Optimize utility consumption and sustainability initiatives (energy, water, waste), and support hotel teams in resolving major technical issues.
• Establish and manage relationships with key technical vendors and contractors, reviewing and negotiating service agreements (AMCs, maintenance contracts) to ensure service quality and cost efficiency.

Technical Support and Development Oversight

• Lead technical due diligence for new hotel opportunities under HMA or lease structures, reviewing building condition reports, MEP systems lifecycle, and CapEx requirements.
• Provide input on feasibility studies, technical budgets, development costs, project timelines, and phasing strategies, supporting negotiations by identifying technical risks and cost implications.
• Review and approve design submissions (Architecture, Interior Design, MEP) to ensure alignment with brand standards, operational efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Provide value engineering recommendations without compromising quality, and coordinate with consultants, developers, and brand representatives.

Project Management and Financial Control

• Oversee renovation, refurbishment, and new build projects across the portfolio, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and in line with approved specifications.
• Lead technical aspects of pre-opening for new hotels, including systems testing, commissioning, snagging, defect resolution, and operational readiness of engineering systems.
• Support procurement of technical equipment and service contracts.
• Prepare and manage annual CapEx budgets across all properties, tracking spend versus budget and ensuring ROI-driven investments.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities across engineering operations and support asset management and ownership reporting with technical insights.

Governance and Leadership

• Ensure full compliance with local authority regulations and permits, overseeing life safety systems and emergency preparedness across properties.
• Develop and implement technical SOPs and standards across the portfolio, identifying and mitigating technical and operational risks.
• Lead and mentor property-level Chief Engineers and engineering teams, standardizing engineering practices across all hotels.
• Drive a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the technical services function.

Qualifications and Experience

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