Chief Engineer
Position Purpose
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, appearance, and efficient operation of the hotel’s physical assets, including the building, guestrooms, public areas, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and related equipment.
This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for leading the Engineering/Maintenance department while actively participating in daily maintenance operations. The Chief Engineer oversees preventive maintenance programs, responds to maintenance needs, manages departmental expenses and vendors, and works closely with hotel leadership to protect the property and provide a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained environment for guests and team members.
The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and dependable maintenance professional with strong troubleshooting skills, a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, and the ability to lead a team while remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations.
What We Offer
We believe great work should come with great benefits. Eligible team members may enjoy:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Company-paid life insurance
- Hotel room discounts
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- Leadership and professional development programs
- Employee discount programs for travel, entertainment, wellness, pet insurance, and more
- A hospitality-focused work environment with opportunities to grow across our portfolio of hotels
Essential Functions
- Oversee the daily operation of the hotel’s Engineering/Maintenance department.
- Maintain the physical condition, functionality, safety, and appearance of the hotel, including guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house areas, grounds, and building systems.
- Respond promptly to maintenance work orders, guest requests, and departmental needs, prioritizing issues based on urgency, safety, and guest impact.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other hotel equipment and systems within the scope of the position.
- Develop, implement, and maintain an effective preventive maintenance program for guestrooms, public areas, equipment, and building systems.
- Manage the hotel’s guestroom preventive maintenance program in accordance with company and applicable brand standards.
- Conduct routine property and equipment inspections to identify maintenance, safety, and operational concerns before they become larger issues.
- Maintain accurate records of preventive maintenance, inspections, repairs, equipment condition, and service history.
- Monitor the condition and performance of major building systems and promptly communicate significant concerns to hotel leadership.
- Ensure maintenance areas, mechanical rooms, shops, storage areas, and equipment are maintained in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
- Support energy conservation initiatives and identify opportunities to improve utility efficiency and reduce unnecessary operating costs.
- Follow company purchasing procedures, including purchase order requirements, vendor approvals, and expense controls.
- Coordinate with outside vendors, contractors, and service providers for repairs, inspections, projects, and specialized services.
- Review vendor work to ensure services are completed properly, safely, and according to agreed specifications.
- Assist the General Manager with departmental budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and expense management.
- Manage Engineering/Maintenance operating expenses while maintaining appropriate property and guest service standards.
- Maintain appropriate levels of maintenance supplies, tools, parts, and equipment.
- Ensure compliance with applicable company policies, safety procedures, OSHA requirements, building codes, and other regulatory requirements.
- Maintain required inspection records, permits, certifications, and documentation as applicable to the property.
- Assist with emergency preparedness and respond to property emergencies involving building systems, utilities, safety, or maintenance concerns.
- Participate in hotel emergency response procedures as required.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Lead, train, coach, and develop Engineering/Maintenance team members.
- Participate in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding Engineering/Maintenance associates.
- Provide technical training and guidance to maintenance team members.
- Prepare departmental schedules based on business and operational needs.
- Assign and prioritize daily maintenance responsibilities and follow up to ensure work is completed appropriately.
- Provide ongoing performance feedback and participate in performance evaluations and corrective action as appropriate.
- Promote a safe work environment and ensure team members follow established safety procedures.
- Train hotel team members on the safe and efficient use of equipment when appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with the General Manager and other department leaders to identify and resolve property needs.
- Support a positive, professional, accountable, and service-focused work environment.
Supportive Functions
In addition to performing the essential functions, this position may be required to perform other duties based on the operational needs of the hotel.
- Assist with renovation, capital improvement, and property improvement projects.
- Coordinate and monitor work performed by contractors and outside vendors.
- Assist other hotel departments with maintenance, safety, and equipment-related needs.
- Participate in required meetings, inspections, and training.
- Provide maintenance support to other properties when assigned and operationally appropriate.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Previous hotel, commercial building, facilities, or property maintenance experience required.
- Previous supervisory or maintenance leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of general building maintenance and repair.
- Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, carpentry, painting, and general repair practices.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and building systems.
- Knowledge of workplace safety practices and applicable OSHA requirements.
- Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, safety information, maintenance documentation, and technical instructions.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance needs in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with guests, team members, leadership, vendors, and contractors.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to use maintenance, purchasing, email, and other hotel systems.
- Ability to manage departmental expenses, purchasing, and inventory.
- Applicable trade licenses, certifications, or specialized training are preferred and may be required based on property needs or local regulations.
- Valid driver's license may be required based on the needs of the property.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs and respond to property emergencies when necessary.
Hospitality Expectations
Our hotels operate seven (7) days a week, twenty-four (24) hours a day. All associates are expected to support a professional, welcoming, and service-focused environment at all times. Scheduling and responsibilities may vary based on business and operational needs.
Because the Chief Engineer is responsible for critical hotel systems, this position may be required to respond to urgent maintenance situations outside of the regularly scheduled workday based on property needs.
Upon employment, all associates are required to comply with JL Hospitality Management policies, procedures, safety standards, and requirements for the safe and efficient operation of our hotels and facilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity
JL Hospitality Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.