Overview:
The Director of Engineering is responsible for all administrative, financial and operating aspects of the hotel as they directly relate to the engineering division. He/she is responsible for the safe and profitable operation of the hotel.
Education & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline strongly preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
* Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering/facilities management experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership or Director of Engineering role at a luxury hotel, resort, or large-scale hospitality property.
* Demonstrated track record of overseeing complex building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life-safety, elevators, mechanical, BMS).
* Proven success managing capital improvement projects, property renovations, and large-scale preventive maintenance programs in a luxury setting.
* Experience with historic or landmark properties is highly desirable, especially managing upgrades while preserving architectural integrity.
* Previous experience leading unionized engineering teams is preferred.
Licenses & Certifications
* Certified Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), or Facilities Management certification (CFM, FMA, or similar) highly preferred.
* OSHA 10/30 and EPA Universal Technician certifications strongly preferred.
* LEED Accreditation or certification in sustainability/energy management a plus.
Leadership & Strategy
* Lead the Engineering & Maintenance department, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development for team members.
* Implement preventive maintenance programs to extend equipment life and minimize downtime.
* Collaborate with senior leadership on capital planning, renovations, and energy conservation initiatives.
* Contribute to overall property strategy and decision-making as part of the hotel's Executive Committee.
Operations & Maintenance
* Oversee daily repair, upkeep, and functionality of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building systems.
* Ensure guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house, and exterior areas meet luxury brand standards.
* Manage third-party contractors and service providers, ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and budgetary expectations.
* Maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, and compliance documentation.
Safety, Compliance & Sustainability
* Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, fire safety, and environmental requirements.
* Lead hotel safety initiatives, including life-safety systems, fire drills, and emergency preparedness.
Financial Management
* Develop and manage the engineering department budget, covering operating expenses and capital expenditures.
* Monitor costs, implement efficiency measures, and ensure resource optimization.
Responsibilities:
* Supervise and train all Engineering staff in Customer Service, Empowerment, Standard Operating Procedures and Loss Prevention Standards.
* Create, approve and post all Engineering staff schedules according to Highgate Hotel standards.
* Create and adhere to annual budget for department.
* Develop financial forecasts and actively participate in monthly profit/loss review meetings.
* Develop and implement plans to maintain property, equipment, grounds and other assets in an acceptable state of repair.
* Ensure the hotel is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws.
* Create and implement a preventative maintenance program for all hotel equipment.
* Ensure that all emergency and life safety equipment and systems are inspected, tested and certified per Highgate Hotel standards.
* Ensure that room maintenance requests are handled in a prompt and courteous manner.
* Follow up on all alarms immediately to determine the exact location and cause. Determine emergency status and report findings to Front Desk. Take immediate action as necessary.
* Assist as necessary with special projects and renovations.
* Actively participate in energy conservation programs.
* Review all guest and meeting planner comment cards to ensure problems are identified and corrected in a timely manner.
* Ensure compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA).
* Administer all vendor contracts controlled by the engineering department.
* Support and participate in all Highgate Hotel programs.
* Lead and participate in Highgate Hotel Safety Committee.
Qualifications:
* At least 5 years of progressive facilities management experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 1 year of related management experience; or a 2-year college degree and 3 or more years of related management experience.
* High school diploma or equivalent required.
* Stationary Engineer's license if required by local code.
* HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boiler operations and general maintenance skills required.
* Long hours sometimes required.
* Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and /or 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
* Travel related to company business sometimes required.
* Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
* Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
* Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
* Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
* Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
* Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
* Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
* Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
* Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
* Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
* Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
* Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
* Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
* Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
Share this job:
Share this Job