Description:

Position Summary

The Area Director of Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and overall management of the Engineering departments for two premier hotels totaling more than 1,100 guestrooms in downtown Chicago. This position oversees all building systems, capital planning, preventive maintenance, life safety, regulatory compliance, and engineering team development while ensuring both properties operate safely, efficiently, and to brand standards.

Reporting directly to the General Manager of the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, the Area Director of Engineering will provide leadership to engineering managers, supervisors, and team members across both hotels while partnering closely with ownership, asset management, and hotel leadership teams.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight for all engineering operations at both hotels.
Lead, coach, and develop engineering leadership and hourly teams.
Develop and manage annual engineering operating and capital budgets.
Oversee all preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance with brand standards.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, fire life safety, and environmental requirements.
Manage major building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevators, fire protection, refrigeration, and building automation systems.
Lead capital improvement projects from planning through completion.
Develop long-term asset preservation strategies.
Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and service agreements.
Ensure emergency preparedness plans are maintained and regularly tested.
Respond to significant operational issues and provide technical leadership during emergencies.
Partner with Operations, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Sales, and Finance to support hotel performance.
Monitor energy management initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Maintain accurate maintenance records and engineering documentation.
Foster a culture focused on accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

Qualifications

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive hotel engineering leadership experience.
Previous Director of Engineering experience required.
Multi-property leadership experience strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, life safety systems, and building automation.
Experience leading union engineering teams preferred.
Experience managing large-scale capital projects.
Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced luxury and full-service hotel environment.

Preferred Experience

Marriott and Hilton brand experience.
High-rise hotel engineering experience.
Chicago union environment experience.
Knowledge of sustainability and energy management initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Thinking
Operational Excellence
Financial Stewardship
Team Development
Change Leadership
Problem Solving
Collaboration
Guest Service Excellence

This is an executive leadership position responsible for protecting two significant hospitality assets while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through reliable, efficient, and safe hotel operations.

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