Chief Engineer

Company Description

Since 1756, Cambridge House has been the home where the Great and the Glorious gather. The storied Mayfair townhouse reawakens in 2026. The centuries old landmark, which has welcomed tastemakers and world shapers throughout its rich history, will be the capital’s most magnetic and vibrant gathering place and experience‑driven luxury hotel. The imaginative renewal of this historic property at 94 Piccadilly will capture the spirit of London like no other, providing a captivating new Mayfair destination for Londoners and international visitors alike. Set in the historic building which formerly housed the iconic In and Out military club, the 18th Century Georgian mansion and Grade 1‑listed Palladian‑style townhouse will be brilliantly reimagined as a 102‑room hotel. Preserving its rich heritage while offering a harmonious blend of luxuriously private and vibrant social spaces replete with unique dining destinations and Auberge spa. It will also be home to an exclusive members club set to define the new pulse of modern London life.

Job Description

As Chief Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the pre‑opening and ongoing operation of Cambridge House. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you will oversee all engineering operations, ensuring the building, plant, and systems operate at the highest luxury standards while preserving the character of this historic property. This is a hands‑on role combining strategic oversight with daily presence, ensuring that engineering operations run smoothly, guest experiences are seamless, and team members are supported in their roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking support or information from the Engineering Department.
• Lead and coordinate pre‑opening commissioning activities, ensuring all building systems and equipment are ready for operation.
• Oversee the maintenance and safe operation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life‑safety, and building management systems.
• Protect and maintain the historic fabric of Cambridge House while supporting operational needs.
• Coordinate contracted maintenance services and statutory inspections, maintaining an annual calendar to minimise disruption to hotel operations.
• Respond to technical issues decisively, maintaining a visible and reassuring presence for team members and guests.
• Support the Director of Engineering in managing the daily activities of the engineering team.
• Provide administrative oversight, including tracking service orders, work permits, contractor access, and bid packages.
• Assist with payroll, scheduling, and maintaining department calendars.
• Maintain accurate records in the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and ensure team members are supported in inputting data correctly.
• Communicate regularly with operational departments, keeping the hotel team updated on works affecting guest areas.
• Manage purchasing and procurement using Birchstreet, ensuring purchase requests, orders, and reconciliations are accurate and timely.
• Support inventory management, including item codes, order guides, and preferred vendor lists in Birchstreet.
• Assist with vendor selection, competitive bidding, and preparation of RFPs and bid documentation.
• Handle daily receiving of goods and services in Birchstreet, tracking unmatched invoices and departmental checkbooks.
• Maintain records and reporting for capital projects, maintenance, and service contracts.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and statutory regulations.
• Monitor and support safety standards across the hotel, responding appropriately to incidents or emergencies.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment for team members and contractors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Engineering Manager in a luxury hotel environment, ideally with pre‑opening experience.
• Strong technical knowledge across hotel engineering systems, including heritage or listed buildings.
• Recognised engineering qualifications or relevant certifications.
• Experience with maintenance operations, procurement, and inventory management, preferably using Birchstreet.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate team members, contractors, and internal stakeholders effectively.
• Organised, solution‑focused, and able to prioritise tasks in a busy, high‑standard environment.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Calm and professional approach, with pride in creating exceptional environments for team members and guests.

Additional Information

Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 30 one‑of‑a‑kind hotels, resorts, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.