DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

Summary:

The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading the hotel's engineering operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective maintenance practices. This role ensures that all engineering associates are properly trained and supervised and that all hotel systems operate in compliance with safety regulations and hotel standards. The Director will implement and maintain preventative maintenance programs, oversee all mechanical systems, and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction by ensuring comfort and operational excellence.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Engineering department, ensuring timely, efficient, and cost-effective responses to all maintenance needs across the hotel.
• Develop, implement, and supervise a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all hotel systems and equipment, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, utilities, lighting, power (HLP), and life safety systems.
• Hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and discipline engineering staff in accordance with Hotel ZaZa policies.
• Prepare and manage the department’s budget, staffing, scheduling, payroll, and utility consumption, ensuring cost control and sustainable operations.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, fire safety, and building codes, to ensure a safe environment for guests and associates.
• Maintain all required permits, licenses, inspections, and certifications, and keep detailed records including maintenance logs, utility reports, and personnel files.
• Manage and coordinate capital improvement projects, including vendor selection, bid review, contractor oversight, and ensuring timely and compliant execution within budget.
• Respond to guest concerns and maintenance-related issues with urgency and professionalism, ensuring prompt resolution that aligns with Hotel ZaZa’s service standards.
• Promote strong cross-departmental communication, especially with General Manager, Director of Rooms, and Housekeeping, to ensure seamless operations and a superior guest experience.
• Actively participate as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to property-wide strategy, planning, and operational excellence.
• Supervise the engineering team’s operation and control of all hotel utilities, ensuring systems are functioning at peak efficiency and guest comfort is prioritized.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Telephone, computer, printer, photocopier
• Standard office supplies (pen/pencil)
• Various tools and maintenance equipment as required for hotel operations

Working Environment:

• Work performed in interior areas of the hotel, including guest rooms, mechanical rooms, and service areas
• Exterior work required, with exposure to various weather conditions
• Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Regular exposure to hazardous chemicals and maintenance-related materials
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school education preferred
• Minimum 5–7 years of engineering or maintenance leadership experience in a full-service hotel or similar hospitality environment.
• Experience with chillers and building automation systems
• Strong technical knowledge of hotel mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers, chillers, elevators, and energy management systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and large teams effectively
• Familiarity with local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines
• Ability to respond to emergencies and be on call as needed

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of the Director of Engineering, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the property
• Use hands to handle tools, operate equipment, or feel surfaces
• Reach with hands and arms, including overhead reaching
• Climb ladders or stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed
• Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Occasionally sit to complete administrative tasks
• Regularly lift, carry, and/or move items up to 50 pounds
• Have the visual acuity required to read, write, operate a computer, and safely inspect equipment and spaces
• Distinguish smells and odors, and respond appropriately to sounds or alarms

This role may involve exposure to hot or cold environments, confined spaces, elevated areas, and various chemicals used in building maintenance.

Note: No job description can fully encompass every duty or task that may be required by the hotel or requested by guests. The goal of all positions at Hotel ZaZa is to provide excellent service, whether personally or by promptly referring requests to the appropriate department leader.