Director of Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we believe exceptional hotels begin with exceptional people. We are passionate about creating memorable guest experiences, developing outstanding leaders, and delivering exceptional results for our owners while fostering a culture where associates can thrive.

Populus Denver is not just a hotel; it is a new species of hospitality. As the nation's first carbon-positive hotel, it is built on a simple belief that hospitality can give back more than it takes and do so as a thriving business. Inspired by Colorado's iconic aspen groves, the hotel brings together design, culinary excellence, community, and sustainability into an experience that exists nowhere else. For the Associates who bring it to life each day, that means being part of a hotel with a clear reason for being.

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Populus offers guests a distinctive lifestyle experience featuring architecturally inspired accommodations, acclaimed food and beverage experiences, immersive programming, and a mission-driven approach to hospitality. Every detail of the hotel reflects a commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, authentic local partnerships, and creating meaningful experiences for guests and associates alike.

The vision is to create places that restore balance between people, community, and the environment. At Populus, that vision comes to life through thoughtful design, regenerative hospitality practices, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world around us. The property's mission is simple: To restore balance for life to thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Engineering to lead the engineering operations of this landmark property. This individual will serve as both a strategic and hands-on leader, championing operational excellence, sustainability, asset preservation, exceptional guest experiences, and associate engagement while bringing the Populus mission and values to life every day.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Operational incentive plan eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible associates and family members
• 401(k) program with company match
• Travel discounts at Crescent-managed properties throughout North America
• Career growth opportunities with a leading hospitality management company
• The opportunity to lead one of the most innovative and purpose-driven hotels in the United States

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the Engineering team, creating a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of the hotel's building systems, equipment, guestrooms, public spaces, restaurants, meeting areas, and back-of-house facilities.
• Develop and execute comprehensive preventive maintenance programs that protect the hotel's physical assets and minimize operational disruption.
• Maintain oversight of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life safety, building automation, and other critical systems.
• Partner closely with Rooms, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and other hotel leaders to ensure maintenance needs are addressed quickly and effectively.
• Manage departmental labor, operating expenses, utilities, service contracts, inventory, and capital expenditures.
• Lead capital projects, renovations, equipment replacement, and long-term asset preservation initiatives.
• Champion energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and other sustainability initiatives consistent with Populus' environmental commitments.
• Maintain compliance with life safety requirements, building and fire codes, OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and other applicable requirements.
• Manage contractors, vendors, service agreements, inspections, permits, warranties, and required engineering documentation.
• Monitor guest feedback, work-order trends, inspections, and operational performance to proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as a key leader during property emergencies, equipment failures, utility interruptions, and other critical situations.
• Participate as an active member of the hotel's leadership team, contributing to budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and hotel-wide initiatives.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years progressive Engineering, Facilities, or Building Operations experience, with previous leadership experience in a full-service or luxury hotel, resort, or comparable complex commercial environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, building automation, and life safety systems.
• Demonstrated experience supporting sustainability initiatives, including energy and water conservation, utility management, waste reduction, and the optimization of building systems to improve operational efficiency and environmental performance
• Demonstrated experience leading preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, budgets, vendor relationships, and engineering teams.
• A proactive, hands-on leadership style with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across hotel departments.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• EPA Refrigerant Certification, CPO, or other applicable technical certifications preferred.
• Flexibility to respond to emergencies and work varied hours based on operational needs.