Chief Engineer

About HDG Legacy

HDG Legacy is a culture-driven hospitality company committed to creating meaningful guest experiences, investing in people, and building long-term value for our partners and communities. Our mission is to deliver exceptional hospitality through integrity, operational excellence, and intentional leadership. At the core of our service culture is “Brilliance in the Basics” — the disciplined belief that extraordinary hospitality is achieved through consistent execution of the fundamentals, attention to detail, and genuine care for people.

About Our Property

The AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Ocala will be a transformative addition to the city’s skyline and hospitality scene. This 179-room, design-forward lifestyle hotel will feature:

 A rooftop restaurant and ballroom

 AC Kitchen & Lounge

 An exclusive speakeasy concept

 In room dining

 Banquet and event operations

What You Will Have An Opportunity To Do

We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Chief Engineer to lead our hotel engineering operations and ensure the seamless management of property systems and maintenance. This pivotal role combines technical expertise with strategic oversight, driving excellence in facilities management, property maintenance, and compliance with all regulations. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive approach, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for maintaining high standards across all property-related functions. Join us to play a key role in fostering safe, efficient, and a well-maintained resort that meet both organizational goals and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities Executive Leadership

 Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of Hotel Operations and ownership group

 Contribute to long-term property planning, asset preservation, and brand positioning

 Build and lead a high-performing, service-oriented engineering team

Operations & Property Excellence

 Oversee all maintenance and engineering functions across guest rooms, public spaces, restaurants, and grounds

 Maintain the property’s distinctive design, finishes, and AC Marriott Brand aesthetic standards

 Ensure all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, irrigation, life safety) operate flawlessly

Hands-On Oversight

 Actively engage in day-to-day operations, stepping in when needed to troubleshoot or resolve complex issues

 Maintain strong visibility across the property and respond quickly to operational needs

 Lead by example in both technical expertise and service excellence

Capital Planning & Projects

 Develop and execute capital expenditure plans aligned with ownership goals

 Oversee renovations, upgrades, and special projects with a focus on quality craftsmanship and minimal guest disruption

 Source and manage local contractors, artisans, and specialty vendors

Financial & Resource Management

 Prepare and manage departmental budgets with a strong focus on cost efficiency and ROI

 Implement energy conservation and sustainability initiatives without compromising guest comfort

 Optimize inventory, tools, and staffing levels

Compliance & Risk Management

 Ensure full compliance with Florida building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards

 Oversee emergency preparedness, hurricane readiness, and disaster recovery planning

 Conduct routine inspections and enforce preventative maintenance programs

Guest Experience Focus

 Collaborate closely with Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Front Desk teams to ensure seamless guest experiences

 Respond to guest concerns with urgency and discretion, maintaining a AC Marriott brand service mindset

 Support customized guest requests and unique property experiences

Qualifications

 10 years of engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within hospitality or high-end business environments

 Deep technical knowledge of resort systems, including pools, water features, and coastal property maintenance

 Proven success managing renovations and capital projects in an operating environment

 Strong leadership presence with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach

Core Competencies

 Entrepreneurial mindset and operational flexibility

 Strong ownership mentality and accountability

 Attention to detail with a passion for craftsmanship and design integrity

 Ability to balance brand standards with practical execution

 Decisive leadership in high-pressure situations (e.g., weather events, system failures)

 Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization