Chief Engineer

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands.  Location:

La Quinta Panama City

1030 E. 23rd Street

Panama City , FL 32405

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the engineering division. In the absence of the Director, the assistant will assume the administrative, financial and operating aspects of the hotel as they relate to engineering.

• Assist in developing and implementing plans to maintain property, equipment, grounds and other assets in a safe and acceptable state of repair.
• Ensure the hotel is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws.
• Supervise and train all Engineering staff in Customer Service, Empowerment, Standard Operating Procedures and Loss Prevention.
• Create and post all Engineering staffs schedules.
• Create and adhere to annual budget for department.
• Assist in developing financial forecasts and actively participate in monthly profit/loss review meetings.
• Create and implement preventative maintenance program for all hotel equipment.
• Ensure all emergency and life safety equipment and systems are inspected, tested and certified per Highgate Hotel standards.
• Actively participate in energy conservation programs.
• Review all guest and meeting planner comment cards to ensure problems are identified and corrected in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliancewith the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Assist with the administration of all vendor contracts controlled by the engineering department.
• Ensure that room maintenance requests are handled in a prompt and courteous manner.
• Follow up on all alarms immediately to determine the exact location and cause.Determine emergency status and report findings to Front Desk.Take immediate action as necessary.
• Assist as necessary with special projects and renovations.
• Support and participate in all Highgate Hotel programs.
• Participate in Highgate Hotel Safety Committee.

• At least 3 years of progressive facilities management experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and 1 year of related management experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Stationary Engineer’s license if required by local code.

• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boiler operations and general maintenance skills required.

• Long hours sometimes required.

• Heavy work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and /or 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.

• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.

• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.

• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.

• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.

• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.

• Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.

• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.

• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.

• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.

• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.

• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.

• Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.

• Perform other duties as requested by management.