Chief Engineer

About the role

Recognized as one of Milwaukee's most esteemed hotels with an elite award repertoire, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel offers a modern, luxury experience with artistic flair. With a prime location in Milwaukee's Theater District, Saint Kate serves as a creative hub for the city, where every aspect of the hotel is inspired by music, painting, sculpture, and design.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all engineering, maintenance, life safety, and facility operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained property.
• Lead, develop, and manage the Engineering team through hiring, training, coaching, performance management, scheduling, and succession planning.
• Direct and oversee preventive maintenance programs, work order completion, and the repair and operation of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, fire life safety, and kitchen equipment.
• Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets, including labor, supplies, equipment, utilities, and contracted services, while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Plan, prioritize, and oversee capital improvement projects, major repairs, and facility upgrades to protect assets and support long-term property goals.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards, fire and life safety regulations, and company policies.
• Partner with hotel leadership to support operational needs, emergency response planning, energy management initiatives, and an exceptional guest and associate experience.
• Maintain effective relationships with vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders while monitoring inventory, purchasing, and facility standards throughout the property.
• Prepare reports, forecasts, and recommendations regarding facility conditions, maintenance trends, and capital needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or associate’s degree in engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive engineering or facilities maintenance experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Previous hotel, resort, hospitality, healthcare, or large commercial facilities experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation, maintenance, and repair of: - HVAC and refrigeration systems - Electrical systems - Plumbing systems - Mechanical equipment - Building automation and control systems - Fire alarm and life safety systems - Commercial kitchen equipment - Building structure, finishes, fixtures, and equipment
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, Lockout/Tagout procedures, life safety standards, environmental compliance, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience managing operating budgets, capital expenditures, vendor contracts, and project planning.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and construction documents.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with guests, associates, contractors, and leadership.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), work order systems, Microsoft Office, and other reporting tools.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Professional appearance, demeanor, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, Lockout/Tagout procedures, life safety standards, environmental compliance, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience managing operating budgets, capital expenditures, vendor contracts, and project planning.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and construction documents.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with guests, associates, contractors, and leadership.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), work order systems, Microsoft Office, and other reporting tools.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.

Benefits

• Department Head Annual and Quarterly Bonus Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (offered after 30 days of employment), company-paid life insurance, and employee assistance program offer.
• 401k with employer match.
• Room discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts restaurants, golfing, skiing and spa and discounts at Marcus Theaters.
• Paid Time off & Paid Holidays.
• Discounted downtown parking.
• Career growth opportunities.

Pay

$162,359 per year

Schedule

Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.