Job Details

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.