Malik Shahzad Awan
Hospitality IT Operations & Applications expert with 12 years of experience in the Hospitality IT domain. Experience in project Implementation, managing & developing chain standards for following software’s in Hospitality Group.
Specialties: Hotel Applications management, Project Management, New property opening rollouts, Budgeting & estimation, Cost management, Pre-Opening, Project Development, IT Consultancy, ICT / CNS
- Opera Management System and its components (IFC, integration)
- Property Management System ( PMS / ONQ)
- Point of sales (Symphony)
- Pabx (Cisco, Mitel, Avaya)
- Call Accounting System (Tiger ,FCs)
- Door lock system (Messerschmitt, Onity, VingCard) Interactive IPTV System ( Digivalet, Locatel , RoomNet, InnSpire, GuesTek)
- Internet management ( Antlabs, Aieslab)
- Digital Signage (Locatel, RMG network, Fourwinds, PADS4)
- Sales & catering system (Delphi)
- Restaurant booking system (Respak, OpenTable) Yield Management solution (IDeas)
- Corporate Performance Management (Board)
- Guest Satisfaction Survey (GDpower, reivernet review Pro, Getmymessage)
- Microsoft Dynamic Office 365 (CRM / ERP)
- Active Directory / Domain Controller
( Pre-Opening / Development / Hotel Operation)
Head of Information Technology
- Manage local and global IT project development which includes Multiple Brands as Hilton & Aura. Effectively communicate within Owner and Brand and implement the project expectations to team members in a timely and clear manner.
- Drive strategic consistency through standardization of business processes and the standardization of technology platforms across Hospitality new local & global development. Ensure future-proofing and long-term manageability of solutions. Work with Hospitality leadership to ensure Hospitality initiatives as well as business and process solutions are in line with brand standards.
- Review ICT / ELV Drawings and implement as per Global IT Standard.
- Design and manage the information technology infrastructure and data Center.
- Plan, organize, control, and evaluate IT and electronic data operations.
- Manage IT staff by recruiting, training, and coaching employees, communicating job expectations and appraising their performance.
- Design, develop, implement, and coordinate systems, SOP policies, and procedures.
- Ensure security of data, network access and backup systems with Virtualization and Cloud Setup
- Act in alignment with user needs and system functionality to contribute to organizational policy.
- Identify problematic areas and implement strategic solutions in time.
- Audit systems and assess their outcomes.
- Preserve assets, information security and control structures.
- Handle annual budget and ensure cost effectiveness.
Technical Services Manager
United Arab Emirates (DUBAI)
Emaar Hospitality Group
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Opening and Development Leadership:
- Spearheading hotel pre-opening and development phases for a smooth transition from construction to operations.
- Collaborating with architects, contractors, and designers to optimize property layout and design.
Managing budgeting and procurement to control costs while maintaining quality standards during pre-opening.
Operational Excellence:
- Developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and service standards to ensure high guest satisfaction.
- Monitoring operational KPIs and financial performance, optimizing revenue and cost efficiency.
- Cultivating a culture of exceptional guest service and training staff for personalized guest experiences.
IT Solutions and Innovation:
- Leading the integration of IT solutions to enhance operational efficiency, guest services, and data security.
- Collaborating with vendors and IT teams to implement and maintain property management systems.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
Team Leadership:
- Recruiting, training, and developing high-performing teams across various hotel departments.
- Creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment, empowering team members to excel.
- Conducting regular performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback.
Guest Experience Enhancement:
- Innovating and implementing guest-centric IT solutions to elevate the guest experience.
- Actively engaging with guest feedback and reviews to drive improvements in the guest experience.
Hotel Project Open and Achievement:
Hilton Property LXR- Maysan Aspire Palace (33Villa)
IT Manager - Leading Assets Hospitality Resort Managment
Ultra-luxury urban resort at the heart of Doha. Great Development by UCC and Assets Group. Open the luxury urban resort with minimum timeline. This property has own private swimming pool, also featuring signature restaurant, grand main pool, and the extravagant spa.
Hilton Property LXR – KATRA Hills (15 Villas)
IT Manager - Leading Assets Hospitality Resort Managment
Ultra-luxury urban resort at the heart of Doha. Great Development by UCC and Assets Group. This property has own private swimming pool, also featuring signature restaurant, grand main pool, and the SPA.
Hilton Property Embassy Suites (151 Rooms)
IT Manager - Leading Assets Hospitality Resort Managment
Unique mid-scale hotel to open in Doha, 20 Floor and 151 Spacious Suites. Outdoor Pool Meeting rooms and Restaurant.
Hilton Property Al Rayyan Hotel (201 Rooms)
IT Manager - Leading Assets Hospitality Resort Managment
The AlRayyan Hotel Doha, the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the Middle East, is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar. This five-star hotel has luxury, style, modern art, and comfort in every room. It also has three outdoor pools, a children’s play area, a fitness center, high-end restaurants, and a meeting and event space that can be used in different ways.
Hilton Property Double Tree By Hilton Doha Downtown (257 Rooms)
IT Manager - Leading Assets Hospitality Resort Managment
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Downtown is a great choice for a stay in Doha. Guests indulge in spa services, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Other features of this luxurious hotel include an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a fitness centre.
VIDA Bahrain (158 Hotel Room + 141 Service Apartment)
May 2019 – 2021 Completed
Technical Service Manager
VIDA Bahrain has successfully completed in 2021. The project has total 158 rooms and 141 Service Apartment.
- Successfully managed all aspects of information technology during the pre-opening phase of a hotel, ensuring the smooth implementation and operation of all technological systems and processes.
- Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Oversaw the installation and configuration of hardware and software for various departments, including front office, housekeeping, finance, and food and beverage.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams and hotel management to identify and address IT-related needs and requirements.
- Coordinate with procurement and after delivery installation of IT equipment.
- Conducted training sessions for hotel staff and provided ongoing technical support, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
- Implemented network security measures to protect sensitive guest and hotel data from cyber threats.
- Implemented a reliable backup and disaster recovery system, minimizing the risk of data loss and ensuring business continuity.
- Monitored and maintained the performance and availability of IT systems, troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arose.
Address Creek Harbor
(223 Hotel Room + 794 SA) May 2019
Technical Service Manager
Address Creek Harbor is a luxury waterfront community located in Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a part of the larger Dubai Creek Harbor development, which is a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding.
- Successfully managed all aspects of information technology during the pre-opening phase of a hotel, ensuring the smooth implementation and operation of all technological systems and processes.
- Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Oversaw the installation and configuration of hardware and software for various departments, including front office, housekeeping, finance, and food and beverage.
Address Istanbul (182 Hotel Room + 197 Service Apartment)
May 2019 – 2021 Completed
Technical Service Manager
Address Istanbul has successfully completed in May 2021. The project has total 182 rooms and 197 Service Apartment.
- Successfully managed all aspects of information technology during the pre-opening phase of a hotel, ensuring the smooth implementation and operation of all technological systems and processes.
- Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Oversaw the installation and configuration of hardware and software for various departments, including front office, housekeeping, finance, and food and beverage.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams and hotel management to identify and address IT-related needs and requirements.
- Coordinate with procurement and after delivery installation of IT equipment.
- Conducted training sessions for hotel staff and provided ongoing technical support, resulting in increased
Address Fujairah
(368 Hotel Room) May 2019
Technical Service Manager
Located in Al Aqah, 1.2 km from Al Aqah Public Beach.
- Successfully managed all aspects of information technology during the pre-opening phase of a hotel, ensuring the smooth implementation and operation of all technological systems and processes.
- Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Oversaw the installation and configuration of hardware and software for various departments, including front office, housekeeping, finance, and food and beverage.
Address Makkah Jabal Omar
(1484 Hotel Room) May 2019
Technical Service Manager
Address, Makkah Jabal Omar is a prestigious development located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This Hotel Include 1484 Hotel Keys. With its prime location near the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah Jabal Omar is an important landmark in the city.
As an IT Project Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and completion of IT projects within an organization. my primary duty was to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the required specifications. I also was responsible for managing the project with team, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring that project objectives are achieved.
Palace Fujairah Beach
(167 Hotel Room) May 2019
Technical Service Manager
Palace Fujairah Beach Resort is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the emirate
- Planning and executing IT projects in accordance with the resort’s goals and objectives.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Leading a team of IT professionals and ensuring effective collaboration and coordination between team members.
- Identifying and assessing project risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure and systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
VIDA Umm Al Quwain
(143 Hotel Room) May 2018-2021
Technical Service Manager
VIDA Umm Al Quwain Beach Resort is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates.
As an IT Project Manager my duty was as below.
- Planning and executing IT projects in accordance with the resort’s goals and objectives.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Leading a team of IT professionals and ensuring effective collaboration and coordination between team members.
- Identifying and assessing project risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure and systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
VIDA Dubai Creek Harbor
(286 Hotel Room) May 2018-2019
Technical Service Manager
VIDA Dubai Creek Harbor is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As an IT Project Manager my duty was as below.
- Planning and executing IT projects in accordance with the resort’s goals and objectives.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Leading a team of IT professionals and ensuring effective collaboration and coordination between team members.
- Identifying and assessing project risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure and systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Address Sky View
(720 Room H+R) May 2017-2019
Technical Service Manager
Address Sky View is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As an IT Project Manager my duty was as below.
- Planning and executing IT projects in accordance with the resort’s goals and objectives.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Leading a team of IT professionals and ensuring effective collaboration and coordination between team members.
- Identifying and assessing project risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure and systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Address Fountain View
(768 Room H+R) May 2017-2018
Technical Service Manager
Address Fountain View is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As an IT Project Manager my duty was as below.
- Planning and executing IT projects in accordance with the resort’s goals and objectives.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Leading a team of IT professionals and ensuring effective collaboration and coordination between team members.
- Identifying and assessing project risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure and systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Vida Downtown & Manzil Downtown Refurbishment
2013-2014
Assistant IT Manager
Vida and Manzil are four Star property located in Dubai Downtown City, United Arab Emirates.
As an Assistance IT Manager my duty was as below.
- Planning and executing IT projects based on the IT Project Manager and following the guideline.
- Managing and overseeing all aspects of IT projects, including scope, budget, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
- Coordinating with various stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met.
- Evaluating and selecting suitable technology solutions and vendors to support the resort’s IT infrastructure and operations.
- Managing the implementation and integration of new systems, applications, and technologies.
- Overseeing and upgrading of existing IT infrastructure to new systems.
- Ensuring compliance with IT security policies and procedures, and implementing necessary measures to safeguard data and information.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Holding Positions Current and Past
Head of IT (Pre-Opening / Development / Operation) Assets Hotel & Resorts Management. Aug 2021 – Present
Technical Services Manager (Pre-Opening / Development) Emaar Hospitality Group February 2017 – Aug 2021 (4 year 7 months)
IT Manager VIDA Downtown Dubai & Manzil Downtown Dubai. October 2015 – January 2017 (1 year 4 months)
Assistant Manager IT VIDA Downtown Dubai & Manzil Downtown Dubai November 2010 – September 2015 (4 years 11 months)
IT Administrative Assistant Asiana Hotel February 2008 – November 2010 (2 years 10 months)
Data Entry Supervisor Data Direct Company. February 2006 – November 2007 (1 year 10 months)