BMS, GRMS
Vaibhav Solanki
Director of Engineering at SLS Hotel and Residence Dubai, Master Degree in Building Services Engineering, 16 years’ Experience in Engineering Operation
Dubai
Summary
- A highly accomplished hospitality engineering professional with a Master’s degree in Building Services Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, UK, and over 16 years of extensive hotel engineering experience.
- Proven expertise in overseeing the 4 number of pre-opening and operational phases of four hotels across international locations, including Dubai (UAE), India, Russia, and Kuwait.
- Demonstrated success in working with leading global hotel chains such as Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, and Viceroy, ensuring high luxury standards of operational efficiency.
- Adept at managing day-to-day engineering and maintenance operations, encompassing building infrastructure, grounds, and physical plant management, with a strong focus on safety, security, and asset protection.
- Skilled in budget management, executing capital expenditure projects, implementing preventative maintenance programs, and driving energy conservation initiatives to enhance operational sustainability and efficiency.
- Received Professional Engineer – Electrical certification from Engineers of Australia. Assessed Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director of Operations
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
Abu Dhabi
09.2024 - Current
- Successfully opened one of the leading hospitality academies in joint venture with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
- Oversaw overall academy operations, including engineering, security, and housekeeping.
- Provided support to the Managing Director, Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Presidential Court project team.
- The campus accommodates 400 students and includes extensive facilities such as culinary and pastry labs, restaurant and guest room labs, a library, student lounge, and more.
Director of Engineering
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residence By Accor.
Dubai
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Lead the Engineering operation of Lifestyle and luxury hotel, 75-storey tower, recognized in Guinness World Records as the highest overflow infinity swimming pool in the world.
- 946 rooms inventory with 254 expertly design hotel rooms and 321 hotel apartments boasting spacious terraces and balconies, 371 residential units.
- 7 F&B outlets including 2 bar’s and 2 infinity swimming pool, SPA 14 treatment rooms.
- 6 meeting rooms and 1 Ballroom with 200 pax.
Chief Engineer
Hilton Worldwide.
Kuwait
09.2019 - 09.2022
- Successfully Pre-Opening of Hilton Hotel at Avenue Mall in Kuwait 390 Guest rooms Including 40 Suites, and 4 F&B outlets, Meeting rooms facilities up to 300 guests, 2 swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Chief Engineer
The Local Hotels, Luxury Collection By Royal Group
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Successfully Pre-Opening of 4 Star Hotel with 130 Guest rooms and 2 F&B outlets, Meeting rooms nd banquets facilities up to 400 guests.
Assistant Engineering Manager
Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai
10.2016 - 09.2017
- Successfully Pre-Opening of 5 Star luxury Hotel at Palm Jumeirah with 468 Guest rooms and 221 residential apartments and 12 F&B outlets, Banquet facilities up to 600 guests.
Assistant Manager of Engineering
Hyatt Regency by Hyatt Hotels
12.2014 - 10.2016
- Successfully Pre-Opening of luxury hotel 275 guest rooms and 5 F&B outlets, Banquet facilities up to 400 guests.
Area Service Manager
Eureka Forbes Limited
06.2010 - 11.2011
- Provide effective customer service by using critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving technical issues related water treatment plants.
Engineering Supervisor
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson Hotel Group
07.2009 - 07.2010
- Worked closely with chief engineer and supervise team of 10 technicians.
Electrician
Lemon Tree Hotels
06.2008 - 06.2009
- Effectively worked with multi-craft team; providing wiring installation, preventive maintenance and testing of equipment.
- Demonstrated expertise in use of cable reels, stripping tools, voltage detectors, crimping tools and wire and cable cutters to complete fast-paced work.
Electrical Lineman
66 KV Sub Station, GETCO Limited
03.2005 - 03.2007
- Responded to emergencies and outages that required additional labor and assistance for repairs.
- Maintain the switchgears, power transformer, CT/PT, Battery room, earthing.
Education
Master of Science - Building Services Engineering
Heriot Watt University
Scotland, UK 06.2021 - 12.2025
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
Gujarat Technological University
Inida 11.2011 - 10.2014
Diploma in Electrical Engineering -
Technical Examination Board
India 06.2007 - 06.2011
Skills
Hotel Pre Openings
Technical and Management
- Hotel Pre-Openings
- Maintenance Strategies
- Facilities Management
- Contract Management
- Financial Management
- Asset Management
- Prioritize Planning
- MEP, HVAC, Electrical
- Fire and Life Safety
- People Management
- Sustainability
- Energy Management
Engineering Operation Skills
- Orchestrated pre-opening efforts for 4-star and 5-star luxury hotels worldwide, managing the snagging process, establishing engineering departments, and overseeing budgeting and OS&E/FF&E preparations.
- Ensured collaboration among consultants, owners, and contractors for rigorous testing, commissioning, and seamless handovers while adhering to brand standards.
- Provided leadership and support to departmental staff, aligning them with the hotels' vision and objectives.
- Oversaw all physical plant systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Managed energy utilization and recommended cost-effective conservation methods.
- Developed and administered service contract specifications to meet building needs and Created a long-term plan for preventative maintenance and asset protection.
- Collaborated with contractors to ensure timely project completion while maintaining quality and Conducted monthly property inspections to uphold maintenance standards.
- Assisted General Managers and owners with financial forecasting, budgeting, and Capital Expenditure planning for sustainable growth.
Software
Microsoft Office
Windows, Outlook
AutoCAD
Timeline
Director of Operations
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
09.2024 - Current
Director of Engineering
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residence By Accor.
09.2022 - 09.2024
Master of Science - Building Services Engineering
Heriot Watt University
06.2021 - 12.2025
Chief Engineer
Hilton Worldwide.
09.2019 - 09.2022
Chief Engineer
The Local Hotels, Luxury Collection By Royal Group
09.2017 - 09.2019
Assistant Engineering Manager
Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai
10.2016 - 09.2017
Assistant Manager of Engineering
Hyatt Regency by Hyatt Hotels
12.2014 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Electrical Engineering
Gujarat Technological University
11.2011 - 10.2014
Area Service Manager
Eureka Forbes Limited
06.2010 - 11.2011
Engineering Supervisor
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson Hotel Group
07.2009 - 07.2010
Electrician
Lemon Tree Hotels
06.2008 - 06.2009
Diploma in Electrical Engineering -
Technical Examination Board
06.2007 - 06.2011
Electrical Lineman
66 KV Sub Station, GETCO Limited
03.2005 - 03.2007
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