Area Director of Engineering
Summary
Leads engineering teams at a hospitality company, overseeing software development and infrastructure for hotel and guest services systems.
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.