Chief Building Engineer/Director

Responsibilities 

Chief Building Engineer (CBE) 

• Facilities Operations & Maintenance: Oversee all aspects of the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical distribution, emergency power systems, plumbing, fire/life safety, and building automation systems (BAS).
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and coordinate with the local and or 3rd party teams of  engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff, ensuring high performance, technical proficiency, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Budget Management: Help develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget for facility maintenance, utilities, and minor capital repairs. Implement cost-saving initiatives related to energy consumption and operational efficiency.  Compliance & Safety: Ensure all building systems and operations comply with local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and studio environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards. Oversee comprehensive fire/life safety programs and emergency preparedness.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Manage relationships, contracts, and performance of third-party vendors and contractors providing specialized maintenance services or system repairs.
• System Optimization: Implement preventative maintenance programs and continuously evaluate building systems for opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability (e.g., energy retrofits, water conservation). 

Program/Project Manager (PPM)

• Capital Planning & Execution: Help develop and coordinate with the in-house teams (including SMS capital and Program Delivery individuals) responsible for managing the execution of the studio's long-term capital improvement program, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, system replacements, and new facility construction projects.
• Project Management Lifecycle: Coordinate with Teams and/or lead complex construction and infrastructure projects from inception through closeout, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and quality control.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between Facilities/Engineering, studio production teams, executive leadership, finance, and external architects/engineers/contractors. Ensure clear and consistent communication regarding project status, milestones, and impacts.
• Program Governance: Establish and maintain program management standards, documentation, and reporting protocols to ensure all projects align with strategic business goals and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Design Review: Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and construction documents to ensure constructability, adherence to building standards, and long-term operational efficiency.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential project and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Qualifications 

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering, building systems maintenance, and/or construction project management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of large-scale commercial HVAC, electrical, and life safety systems, preferably within a campus or critical operations environment (e.g., studio, hospital, data center).
• Proven experience managing complex construction projects ($5M+ budget) and capital improvement programs.
• Strong understanding of local building codes, energy codes, and OSHA safety standards.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Proficiency with Building Automation Systems (BAS), CMMS (Computerized
• Maintenance Management Systems), and project management software.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Google Suite, Asana, Primavera P6).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, blueprints, and technical specifications. 

Preferred 

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications (e.g., CFM, FMP, PMP, LEED AP).
• Experience in the media, entertainment, or production studio environment, understanding the unique demands of filming and production schedules.
• Direct experience with sustainable building practices and energy efficiency initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Critical System Uptime =  >99.9%
• Annual Facilities Operating Budget Variance = 
• Capital Project Delivery (On-Time/On-Budget) = 90% 
• Energy Consumption Reduction (Y-o-Y) = 2% minimum 
• Preventative Maintenance (PM) Completion Rate = >95%