Director of Engineering

Job Description

Director of Engineering - DIRENGIN

Department: Engineering

Reports To: General Manager

Northwood Overview

An enterprising organization managing hospitality assets that deliver unique, carefully curated guest experiences. We understand that our people are the hallmark of our success, managing and operating a portfolio of leading hotel assets ranging from select service to lifestyle independent hotels. Our people are the most important assets. We are committed to developing talent and building high performance leadership teams. We understand that the sum of our collective talents and efforts help us achieve greater results and thrive.

Job Overview

The Director of Engineering is responsible for overseeing all engineering and maintenance operations within the hotel. This role ensures optimal performance of all building systems, guest rooms, and public areas. The Director will lead a team of skilled engineers and technicians to maintain the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

Engineering Operations & Preventive Maintenance

• Direct all day-to-day engineering, maintenance, and building operations for the hotel.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance programs for guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, and building systems.
• Ensure all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, building automation, and other critical systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
• Establish and maintain standards for timely response to maintenance requests, equipment failures, and guest concerns.
• Oversee emergency response procedures and coordinate appropriate corrective action during equipment or building-system failures.
• Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Engineering team focused on operational excellence and exceptional service.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate Engineering personnel in accordance with hotel standards and company policies.
• Establish clear expectations for productivity, quality, safety, professionalism, and guest service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Ensure Engineering team members receive appropriate training on equipment, systems, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.

Capital Planning & Budget Management

• Develop and manage the Engineering department’s annual operating budget.
• Monitor labor, supplies, utilities, service contracts, and other departmental expenses to ensure responsible financial performance.
• Partner with hotel leadership on capital planning, equipment replacement, renovations, and property improvement projects.
• Develop long-term capital plans that protect the integrity, functionality, and value of the property.
• Evaluate vendors, contractors, and proposed projects to ensure quality, value, and timely completion.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Maintain a strong focus on guest comfort, ensuring maintenance concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Partner with Rooms, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Spa, Events, and other departments to resolve operational issues and support an exceptional guest experience.
• Respond appropriately to escalated guest concerns involving maintenance or building systems.
• Ensure guest-facing areas and facilities consistently meet the property’s standards for appearance, functionality, cleanliness, and comfort.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including building, fire/life safety, environmental, occupational safety, and health requirements.
• Maintain required inspections, licenses, permits, records, and documentation.
• Implement and enforce effective safety procedures for employees, guests, contractors, and the property.
• Coordinate inspections and service requirements for fire alarm, sprinkler, elevator, electrical, HVAC, and other life-safety systems.
• Work closely with hotel leadership and appropriate authorities during emergencies or safety-related incidents.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with qualified vendors, service providers, and contractors.
• Solicit and evaluate bids, negotiate service agreements, and monitor contractor performance.
• Ensure outside contractors comply with hotel safety standards and operational requirements.
• Verify that contracted work is completed safely, accurately, and to established quality standards.

Systems, Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate records for preventive maintenance, work orders, inspections, equipment, and service contracts.
• Utilize the hotel’s CMMS and other technology platforms to track maintenance activities, asset performance, and departmental productivity.
• Provide regular updates to the General Manager and hotel leadership regarding engineering operations, major repairs, capital projects, safety concerns, and facility conditions.
• Maintain current documentation for building systems, equipment, warranties, service agreements, and operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in hotel engineering or facilities management
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Knowledge of building systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety systems
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in computer systems, including CMMS software
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Hotel Discounts
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance program

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be added at any time with or without notice.