Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

NC The Umstead Hotel and Spa - Cary, NC

Overview

Position Type Full Time Job Shift Flex AM/PM

Description

Position Summary:

The Engineering Director is responsible for the overall leadership and operation of the Engineering and Loss Prevention departments. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all hotel facilities while maintaining the property's physical assets and supporting the highest standards of guest service. The Engineering Director oversees preventive maintenance, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance, budget management, and team development to ensure operational excellence.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, direction, and development for the Engineering and Loss Prevention teams.
• Maintain all building systems, equipment, and facilities to ensure a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained environment for guests and associates.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for guest rooms, public areas, mechanical systems, kitchens, laundry facilities, pools, and other hotel amenities.
• Manage annual capital improvement projects, including planning, budgeting, vendor coordination, and project execution.
• Develop and manage departmental operating and utility budgets in partnership with the Controller.
• Monitor utility consumption and implement energy-efficient and sustainable operating practices, including LEED initiatives where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including fire and life safety, HVAC, electrical, pool, environmental, and OSHA requirements.
• Oversee testing, maintenance, and compliance of fire alarm, life safety, and emergency systems.
• Manage hotel vehicles, carts, and engineering equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Coordinate the work of contractors and service providers to ensure quality workmanship and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with hotel leadership and landscaping teams to maintain exceptional interior and exterior property standards.
• Lead workplace safety initiatives, conduct regular safety meetings, and support emergency preparedness and response programs.
• Ensure appropriate scheduling and operational oversight of the Loss Prevention team.

Leadership Expectations:

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the property, ensuring Forbes and AAA luxury standards are consistently achieved.
• Build strong partnerships across all hotel departments to support operational excellence and an exceptional guest experience.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and composure when responding to operational challenges or emergency situations.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering or facilities management experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or comparable hospitality environment.
• Current state-required licenses and certifications.
• LEED accreditation or certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance, and facilities management.
• Experience managing capital projects, operating budgets, and contractor relationships.
• Thorough understanding of applicable safety codes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and lead effectively in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• Must have intermediate working knowledge in the following areas: general plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical systems, bathroom fixtures, tiling, painting - prep to finish, basic carpentry, and landscaping.
• Must be able to drive and hold a valid state driver license.
• Must have previous supervisory experience over engineers/maintenance.

Skills / Abilities

• Must be able to read written communiques, reports, read-outs, meters, and computer screens.
• Must have advanced computer skills needed to respond to work orders, emails, etc..
• Must have finger, hand and upper body dexterity to pull levers and rotate knobs, work with arms raised above head and to handle and assemble small parts using basic hand and power tools.
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds.
• Must have ability to crawl, climb ladders, support and carry loads of 75lbs.
• Must have a basic understanding of building operations and ability to troubleshoot building systems to find and solve problems.
• Must have ability to understand and follow verbal/written instructions, communicate both verbally and in writing, utilize analytical thought processes, understand verbal/written technical and mechanical instruction, and be highly organized.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively and courteously with employees, guests and contractors in writing, via telephone and in person.
• Must be able to keep detailed inventory of stock.
• Must be a reliable leader who can be a Manager on Duty for engineering and a consistent point of contact for the hotel.
• Must have abilities to teach other engineers technical skills as on-the-job training.