Assistant Chief Engineer - Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel (Pre-Opening Team)

Company Description

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with a portfolio of more than 536 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travelers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH Hotel Group, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott, and Minor International properties, across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant upscale brand offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style. Avani was launched in response to an increasingly influential group of discerning travelers who appreciate stylish design and excellent service, but also demand great value. Avani hotels are designed for the way we travel now. And we think it’s all about balance. Balance between coolness and kindness, between design and function, and between service and privacy.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel set to open in Q2 2026 will bring contemporary style and Laotian flair to the heart of the capital, just minutes from Wat Si Saket, Vientiane Night Market, and Chao Anouvong Park. The hotel’s 197 guest rooms and suites will blend modern design with local touches, offering its guests the choice of four dining venues, including an international all-day dining restaurant, a western comfort food concept and bar, and a Southeast Asian fine-dining restaurant. Guests will enjoy Avani Spa with five treatment rooms, an Avani Fit fitness centre and studio, an outdoor swimming pool, and versatile event spaces including a ballroom for up to 320 guests.

Job Description

As Assistant Chief Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting the Director of Engineering to deliver a successful hotel pre-opening and ensure all engineering systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably from Day One. This role combines strong technical expertise with hands-on operational leadership, contractor coordination, and team development in line with Minor Hotels and Avani+ brand standards.

You will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to establish preventive maintenance systems, complete commissioning and handover activities, and ensure compliance with statutory, safety, and brand requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Engineering in planning, implementing, and supervising all engineering operations during the pre-opening and operational phases.
• Lead and coordinate commissioning, testing, and handover of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, ELV, fire-life-safety, BMS, elevators, and kitchen equipment.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, and service providers to ensure timely closure of punch-list items, quality workmanship, and safety compliance.
• Oversee daily engineering operations including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, and utilities monitoring.
• Establish, implement, and monitor preventive maintenance (PPM) frameworks, schedules, and SOPs aligned with Minor Hotels standards.
• Ensure full compliance with local laws, statutory requirements, and fire-life-safety regulations, including preparation for inspections and audits.
• Support preparation for government inspections, licenses, and statutory approvals in coordination with hotel management and authorities. 
• Assist with departmental budgeting, opening inventories, spare-parts setup, and initial service contracts during pre-opening. 
• Support emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and crisis response planning; conduct team training and drills.
• Train, coach, and develop engineering team members to build technical competence, safety awareness, and brand-aligned service behavior.
• Collaborate closely with Rooms, Housekeeping, F&B, IT, Security, and Events to ensure seamless guest experience and operational continuity.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including reports, logs, checklists, asset records, and maintenance histories.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in hotel engineering, facilities management, or building maintenance within an international hotel environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire-life-safety systems, ELV, BMS, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating contractors and managing technical workflows during renovations or pre-opening phases.
• Hands-on, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced pre-opening environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and people-management skills with a collaborative working style.
• Basic understanding of budgeting, CAPEX/OPEX tracking, and contractor payment milestones is an advantage.
• Pre-opening experience with Minor Hotels or other international brands (IHG, Marriott, Accor, etc.) is a strong advantage.
• High commitment to safety, compliance, sustainability, and service excellence.
• Fluency in English and either Lao or Thai is required.
• Previous experience in Southeast Asia is strongly preferred.