Senior AC Technician (HVAC)

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.

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.