Director of Engineering & Security

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1,000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

About the Role

The Director of Engineering & Security (DOE) is the onsite leader of building, equipment, grounds condition, and security of the hotel. This position leads and/or performs maintenance and repairs, preventative maintenance, and ensures the security of hotel inventory and assets such as tools, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The DOE focuses on guest and associate satisfaction, expense control, and product quality, contributing to the overall goals of the hotel. This role is part of the Executive Leadership Team for the hotel.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the engineering and security areas and staff to ensure quality and standards meet customer and employee expectations.
• Implement and supervise preventative maintenance of Mechanical/Electrical areas, public areas, and guest rooms per established standards and schedules.
• Confer with vendors to obtain product and service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Process purchase requests for items needed by the Engineering department.
• Manage contractors while onsite, supervise work as needed, and ensure work is properly performed.
• Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities and recommend service improvements such as renovation, painting, or furniture replacements.
• Ensure the building exterior, parking garage, and storage spaces are clean and well maintained.
• Communicate with department leaders about maintenance needs and work orders, ensuring timely completion.
• Ensure the pool is serviced, including proper chemical adjustment and filter cleaning.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on malfunctioning systems and equipment.
• Coordinate, supervise, and perform preventive maintenance work.
• Order, receive supplies, and maintain inventory of supplies and operating equipment.
• Review guest satisfaction survey results with employees.
• Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.
• Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Ensure compliance with all service contracts and statutory regulations.
• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecasts, adjusting as needed.
• Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans for achieving established goals.
• Assist with the development of the Capital budget.
• Participate in managing the department’s operating budget and assist in developing the annual capital budget.
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs, and expenses.
• Manage staffing levels to meet guest service, operational needs, and financial objectives.
• Actively participate and advise in budget and forecasting processes.
• Interview, hire, train, and promote Engineering & Security staff.
• Provide consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review pertinent information for the day’s business.
• Monitor, measure, and recognize employee performance.
• Assist in annual performance evaluations.
• Coach team members by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably.
• Handle employee issues professionally and in a timely manner.
• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and the corporate office.
• Motivate employees to perform to their highest standard and establish a trusting environment.
• Focus on the mission and well-being of the departments, hotel, and company.
• Lead by example, operating with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and guest service standards.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and move objects up to 100 lbs.
• May exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
• May carry, lift, or pull items weighing up to 50 lbs. and push and/or pull approximately 200 lbs.
• Frequently standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, and moving about the hotel.
• Work is performed both inside and outside, including in rain and warm temperatures.
• Work is performed in both guest contact and non-guest contact areas.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in mechanical areas and when using certain equipment.
• Work involves using various tools, including those that may be considered dangerous; protective equipment and clothing are required.
• Proper safety precautions specified by the tool manufacturer and/or OSHA must be followed.
• Work may involve high voltage equipment and electric panels; proper safety equipment, including gloves, must be worn.
• All applicable OSHA, national, and local electrical codes must be adhered to.

Schedule

• Must be flexible to work variable days of the week, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).
• Ten-to-twelve-hour shifts are sometimes required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 2-year degree from an accredited university in Building and Construction, Engineering, Mechanics, or related major preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in engineering and maintenance or a related professional area; technical training in HVAC-R/electrical/plumbing and supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in a hotel property or service industry is preferable.
• General knowledge of a qualified trade such as HVAC, painter, electrician, plumber, or carpentry is desirable.
• Certification in at least one qualified trade is required.

Skills

• Skilled in HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywalling, painting, plumbing, roofing, and landscaping.
• Knowledgeable of local, state, and federal regulations and safety standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Extensive knowledge of the hotel and hospitality industry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance