Senior AC Technician

The President Hotel is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and we are creating a
key leadership role of Senior AC Technician
. This pivotal position ensures the
optimal operation, reliability, and energy efficiency of all HVAC and mechanical systems
across the hotel, supporting both guest comfort and operational excellence. Experience Essential.

This hands-on, high-responsibility role combines
technical mastery, preventative maintenance, emergency readiness, team leadership, stock management, and project execution
, working closely with the Engineering & Maintenance team to uphold the hotel's luxury standards.

About The Role
As Senior AC Technician, you will
lead the hotel's HVAC and mechanical operations
, ensuring flawless system performance and energy efficiency. You will oversee the
HVAC team
, develop and execute
preventative maintenance schedules
, manage
stock and procurement
, respond to emergencies, and support
installation and commissioning projects
.

The ideal candidate is a
proactive, experienced, and hands-on professional
with deep expertise in HVAC systems, mechanical operations, and energy management, capable of
leading a team, mentoring junior staff, and optimizing system performance in a luxury hotel environment
.

Key Responsibilities
Lead & Maintain Critical Systems

• Take ownership of HVAC, cooling towers, heat pumps, mid-wall split units, AHUs, FCUs, extraction and fresh air systems, exhaust fans, and related mechanical equipment.
• Perform mechanical and electrical servicing, fault-finding, and repairs, ensuring flawless operation.
• Maintain and calibrate Siemens and Honeywell BMS systems for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Preventative Maintenance & Strategic Scheduling

• Develop and implement comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules to extend system longevity and energy efficiency.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize maintenance to maximize uptime and minimize disruption.
• Execute annual service schedules for FCUs and AHUs, including inspections, cleaning, and component replacement.
• Monitor equipment performance, track trends, and implement continuous improvements.

Extraction & Ventilation Expertise

• Inspect, service, and maintain extraction systems, kitchen and bathroom exhausts, fans, ductwork, and filters.
• Ensure compliance with fire, health, and safety standards.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage the HVAC team, supervising, guiding, and inspiring junior technicians.
• Lead toolbox talks, safety briefings, and hands-on training, embedding a culture of safety and accountability.
• Mentor staff to promote technical excellence and professional growth.

Installation & Projects

• Lead installations and commissioning of HVAC and mechanical systems, including piping, valves, actuators, auto-bleeders, cooling towers, and dosing systems.
• Interpret and act on technical drawings, schematics, and installation plans.
• Collaborate with contractors and suppliers to deliver projects on time and to high standards.

Emergency Response & Reliability

• Be on-call to respond to critical system failures, ensuring continuity of hotel operations.
• Maintain readiness with tools, spares, and system knowledge.

Procurement & Stock Management

• Oversee procurement of HVAC and mechanical parts, ensuring availability of critical spares and consumables.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels to prevent shortages, optimize inventory costs, and support uninterrupted operations.
• Implement effective stock management systems, including tracking, rotation, and reconciliation.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain detailed records of inspections, repairs, preventative maintenance, emergency interventions, procurement, and stock levels.
• Provide actionable reports to the Chief Engineer, influencing strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and industry standards.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Follow all safety regulations, including PPE usage, electrical safety, and safe working at heights.
• Conduct risk assessments before starting maintenance or installation work.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in HVAC and mechanical maintenance in luxury hotels, commercial, or industrial properties.
• Trade certificate or equivalent in HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
• Expertise in chillers, heat pumps, mid-wall split units, AHUs, FCUs, extraction systems, exhaust fans, cooling towers, dosing systems, valves, actuators, auto-bleeders, and pipe insulation.
• Skilled in Siemens and Honeywell BMS systems and advanced troubleshooting.
• Experience in team management, scheduling, procurement, stock management, and preventative maintenance, including annual FCU and AHU service schedules.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills.
• Proven leadership ability to develop and inspire teams.
• Proficient in CMMS, reporting tools, and inventory software.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, decisive, and hands-on - leads by doing.
• Safety-focused, detail-oriented, and uncompromising in quality.
• Flexible, professional, and able to respond to emergencies anytime.
• Motivated by excellence, with a passion for luxury service, operational reliability, stock management, scheduling, and preventative maintenance.

About The Hotel
The President Hotel has
349 rooms, multiple apartments, and extensive public spaces
, all requiring
precision-controlled climate systems
.

Coastal conditions expose systems to
humidity, salt air, and corrosion
, demanding technical vigilance.

This role is critical to
guest experience, operational efficiency, team development, energy optimization, and stock management
, making it a
cornerstone position within the hotel
.

Package on Offer

• Competitive gross package with benefits
• Medical aid contribution
• Pension/provident fund contribution
• Performance-based incentives

This is a
senior, hands-on leadership role
combining
technical mastery, team leadership, preventative maintenance, and operational oversight
in one of Cape Town's most iconic luxury hotels.