Director of Engineering
Crescent Hotels & Resorts · Evanston, IL · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineeringFull-time
About the role
The Director of Engineering supports the daily operations of the Engineering Department by helping lead preventive maintenance programs, monitoring life safety systems, utilities, capital projects, and overall facility operations to ensure the hotel is maintained in compliance with corporate/franchise standards and applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations. This role partners closely with hotel leadership to support asset protection, operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and a safe, well-maintained environment for guests and associates.
Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department, including team development, coaching, performance management, interviewing, hiring recommendations, and disciplinary support as appropriate.
- Aid in the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of preventive maintenance programs for hotel equipment, systems, and facilities.
- Oversee service request workflows and ensure work is prioritized, completed, and monitored efficiently to support guest satisfaction, safety, and operational continuity.
- Maintain and review schedules, logs, records, compliance documentation, and operational reports to support consistency, reduce liabilities, and ensure organized department administration.
- Respond effectively to emergencies, equipment failures, and operational disruptions, providing leadership and support to protect guests, associates, and hotel assets.
- Assist in the evaluation of utility consumption and system performance to identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and sustainability improvements.
- Partner with hotel leadership and department teams to align Engineering priorities with overall property performance, guest experience, and asset preservation.
- Support vendor relationships, contractor performance, project execution, and capital improvement initiatives to ensure quality, compliance, cost control, and timely completion.
- Assist with purchasing requests and oversee Engineering expenses, labor, and budgets to support strong financial stewardship and achievement of budget goals.
- Manage competing priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment, troubleshoot and resolve routine and complex mechanical and electrical issues in hotel systems and equipment.
- Identify safety hazards, security concerns, and operational risks and take appropriate corrective action.
Requirements
- Previous hotel Engineering leadership experience required.
- Previous experience in a unionized environment preferred.
- Strong knowledge of hotel building systems, preventive maintenance programs, life safety systems, utilities, and facility operations.
- Strong working knowledge across multiple trades, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall repair, painting, roofing, and general building maintenance.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve routine and complex mechanical and electrical issues in hotel systems and equipment.
- Ability to support maintenance operations, assist with capital projects, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with guests, associates, department leaders, vendors, and ownership/management teams.
- Self-motivated, professional, and solutions-oriented with a calm, even-tempered demeanor.
- Ability to identify safety hazards, security concerns, and operational risks and take appropriate corrective action.
Qualifications
- Must maintain a professional appearance and conduct at all times.
- Willingness to support operational needs as necessary and be a collaborative, hands-on team player.