Chief Engineer

Job Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and physical condition of the hotel. This role oversees preventive maintenance programs, life safety systems, vendor management, and emergency response to ensure compliance with brand standards, local/state codes, and company expectations. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on protecting the asset, supporting hotel operations, and delivering a safe, well-maintained guest experience.

Schedule & Availability

• Hours are typically daytime
• Must be available for on-call coverage, emergencies, and operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a documented preventive maintenance (PM) program for guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, kitchen, exterior, and grounds
• Ensure compliance with IHG brand standards, life safety requirements, OSHA guidelines, and all local/state/federal codes
• Oversee maintenance and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and building systems
• Lead emergency preparedness and response programs; ensure team knowledge of emergency procedures, shut-offs, fire panel, and safety equipment
• Maintain hotel curb appeal including landscaping, snow removal, painting, and exterior upkeep
• Manage vendors and service contracts; review annually to ensure quality and cost effectiveness
• Monitor departmental expenses, labor, and overtime to stay within forecasted budgets
• Support and improve guest satisfaction scores related to the physical plant and maintenance response
• Ensure the hotel is always prepared for and passes brand QA inspections
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of engineering workspaces
• Complete work orders and assist with hands-on repairs as needed (lighting, ceiling tiles, patching, minor repairs, etc.)
  
  

Leadership & Communication

• Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment
• Train, coach, and develop engineering team members; ensure required brand training is completed and documented
• Communicate clearly with hotel leadership and follow through on guest and operational requests
• Serve as a calm, steady leader during emergencies or high-activity periods
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience, with 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role preferred
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred
• Trade experience or training in one or more of the following: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry
• Strong working knowledge of hotel operations, safety programs, and maintenance systems
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Comfortable using basic computer systems for work orders, reports, and tracking
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, read, and lift 25–50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation