Chief Engineer – Plumbing and Drainage

Job Description General Purpose We are seeking a technically proficient Chief Engineer – Plumbing and Drainage to lead the operational performance, safety, and compliance of all water and wastewater infrastructure within a luxury resort environment. The role encompasses potable water distribution, grey and black water drainage systems, stormwater management, and treatment plant operations. It requires a firm grasp of UAE codes, global public health standards, and a proactive approach to diagnostics, maintenance, and sustainable water management. This role integrates with the resort’s wider hydronic and mechanical systems and contributes to the overall reliability of water-based engineering operations.Technical Oversight and System Management Oversee daily operation and maintenance of all water-based infrastructure including potable water, hot/cold water loops, greywater and blackwater systems, stormwater drainage, and their respective pumping and storage components.Supervise integrated hydronic systems such as water-boosting sets, filtration units, buffer tanks, sump pumps, and chemical dosing equipment.Conduct site reviews of plantrooms, risers, valve chambers, and treatment units to validate maintenance completion and system performance.Troubleshoot faults using schematics, BMS/SCADA interfaces, and manual test instruments to resolve low flow, pressure loss, or contamination issues.Monitor key operating parameters such as differential pressures, return temperatures, flow consistency, and tank levels to maintain efficiency and reduce system stress.Validate system handovers during commissioning or retrofits, ensuring flushing, disinfection, pressure testing, and control logic align with operational requirements and UAE codes.Plan and manage isolation, bypass, or rerouting operations to support planned maintenance or emergency interventions without service disruption.Coordinate closely with HVAC and mechanical teams where shared distribution, drainage, or pumping infrastructure affects thermal comfort systems.Compliance and Sustainability Ensure plumbing and drainage systems comply with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Civil Defense, and UAE Public Health Code regulations.Maintain readiness for inspections by preparing audit records, calibration logs, water test results, and maintenance documentation.Implement SOPs for flushing, chlorination, confined space entry, dosing safety, and emergency shutdown/startup procedures.Lead water conservation initiatives including greywater reuse, low-flow fixture adoption, automated leak detection, and water metering strategies.Optimize water circulation and consumption by rebalancing hydronic loops, auditing water features, and analyzing seasonal consumption trends.Support resort-wide sustainability goals, aligning plumbing operations with certifications such as LEED or Estidama.Diagnostics and Performance Optimization Use smart sensors, flow meters, and BMS trend data to detect anomalies such as stagnant zones, short-cycling pumps, or pressure fluctuations.Conduct thermal imaging, ultrasonic flow measurement, and vibration analysis to diagnose hidden or emerging mechanical issues.Analyze repair histories and CMMS data to identify chronic failure points and adapt maintenance regimes accordingly.Benchmark performance of water systems against internal KPIs and external industry best practices to support continuous improvement.Identify and implement automation upgrades, energy-efficient pumping strategies, and load-optimized operations to reduce system stress.Propose targeted CAPEX interventions supported by diagnostics, asset age profiling, and ROI assessment.Documentation and Departmental Integration Maintain up-to-date asset registers, test reports, as-built layouts, and hydraulic diagrams for all water and drainage systems.Collaborate with Facilities, Culinary, Housekeeping, and Spa teams to ensure engineering activities are planned with minimal disruption.Integrate plumbing maintenance with broader mechanical PPM schedules, especially where overlaps exist in utility corridors or shared plantrooms.Liaise with external contractors, review method statements and scopes of work, and ensure outsourced delivery is compliant with specifications.Track spare part usage, forecast replenishment needs, and align procurement with maintenance demand and budget constraints.Team Supervision and Field Leadership Lead a multidisciplinary team including plumbers, drainage technicians, and outsourced specialists to maintain full operational readiness.Deliver field training on fault diagnostics, safety procedures, water quality control, and pressure zone management.Monitor workforce performance using KPIs such as response times, repair quality, and system downtime.Conduct team briefings, toolbox talks, and hazard assessments aligned with site-wide safety culture and engineering department objectives.Ensure staffing coverage across all shifts, with preparedness for high-demand periods, peak seasons, and night operations.Qualifications Education Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Public Health, or Building Services Engineering preferred. Diploma holders with extensive plumbing/hydronic experience will also be considered.Experience10+ years in plumbing and mechanical water system operations in resorts, hospitals, or large commercial facilities.Demonstrated expertise in commissioning, diagnostics, lifecycle planning, and code compliance.Certifications and Technical Knowledge Deep understanding of UAE plumbing, drainage, and water safety codes.Ability to interpret mechanical layouts, hydraulic schematics, and BMS/SCADA data.Knowledge of filtration, dosing systems, greywater recycling, and mechanical-hydronic integration.Language and IT Skills Fluent in English; Arabic or other regional languages an advantage.Proficient in Microsoft Office, CMMS platforms, and smart building interfaces.Other Requirements Capable of leading emergency responses, managing contractor interfaces, and driving safety compliance.Committed to continuous technical improvement, sustainability leadership, and operational excellence. #J-18808-Ljbffr