The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and physical condition of the hotel. This role oversees preventive maintenance programs, life safety systems, vendor management, and emergency response to ensure compliance with brand standards, local/state codes, and company expectations. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on protecting the asset, supporting hotel operations, and delivering a safe, well-maintained guest experience.
Hours are typically daytime
Must be available for on-call coverage, emergencies, and operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays
Develop, implement, and maintain a documented preventive maintenance (PM) program for guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, kitchen, exterior, and grounds
Ensure compliance with IHG brand standards, life safety requirements, OSHA guidelines, and all local/state/federal codes
Oversee maintenance and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and building systems
Lead emergency preparedness and response programs; ensure team knowledge of emergency procedures, shut-offs, fire panel, and safety equipment
Maintain hotel curb appeal including landscaping, snow removal, painting, and exterior upkeep
Manage vendors and service contracts; review annually to ensure quality and cost effectiveness
Monitor departmental expenses, labor, and overtime to stay within forecasted budgets
Support and improve guest satisfaction scores related to the physical plant and maintenance response
Ensure the hotel is always prepared for and passes brand QA inspections
Maintain cleanliness and organization of engineering workspaces
Complete work orders and assist with hands-on repairs as needed (lighting, ceiling tiles, patching, minor repairs, etc.)
Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment
Train, coach, and develop engineering team members; ensure required brand training is completed and documented
Communicate clearly with hotel leadership and follow through on guest and operational requests
Serve as a calm, steady leader during emergencies or high-activity periods
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience, with 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role preferred
High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree or higher preferred
Trade experience or training in one or more of the following: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry
Strong working knowledge of hotel operations, safety programs, and maintenance systems
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Comfortable using basic computer systems for work orders, reports, and tracking
Ability to stand, walk, climb, read, and lift 25–50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation