Job Details

Compensation TypeYearly Highgate Hotels

Location

Located in the exclusive Nob Hill neighborhood and in the process of going through a complete reimagination, The Huntington provides guests with modern amenities and conveniences within a historic space. Guests can enjoy fine dining, a three level spa, beautiful rooms and suites as well as meeting and event spaces without ever leaving the property. The Huntington provides guests with the best location and amenities San Francisco has to offer.

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.