Chief Engineer / Director of Engineering 400+ Room Full-Service Hotel

A major Manhattan full-service property with several hundred guest rooms and multiple outlets is seeking an accomplished Chief Engineer to oversee all building systems and facilities. This hands-on leadership role manages the daily engineering operations, preventive maintenance programs, and capital projects that sustain a world-class guest experience. The position begins as a full-time temporary assignment with a clear pathway to permanent hire based on performance.

What You’ll Do

• Direct all mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, life-safety, and building systems to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
• Build and administer preventive maintenance programs that minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Supervise, train, and mentor the engineering team with an emphasis on technical expertise, accountability, and service.
• Establish and monitor departmental budgets; track expenses and labor while aligning with property-wide cost control goals.
• Coordinate renovation projects and capital improvements, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Manage vendor relationships, bids, and service contracts for outsourced work.
• Enforce compliance with NYC/NYS codes, OSHA, EPA, ADA, and other regulatory standards.
• Partner with other departments to resolve service-impacting issues quickly and prevent recurrence.
• Monitor energy consumption and implement conservation initiatives that support sustainability and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, permits, and certifications.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and system failures to protect guests, staff, and assets.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of progressive hotel engineering or building operations experience, with at least 3 years in a management role at a large NYC (or similar market city).
• Proven track record in large-scale, multi-outlet hotel environments.
• Strong technical knowledge across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, boilers/chillers, kitchen equipment, and energy management systems.
• Familiarity with life-safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to lead union and/or non-union teams with clarity and fairness.
• Proficiency with building management systems (BMS) and maintenance scheduling software.
• Strong project management skills and experience overseeing capital renovations.
• Calm under pressure, decisive in emergencies, and detail-oriented in daily operations.

Nice to Have

• NYC Fire Life Safety Director certification (or ability to obtain within 3-6 months).
• Stationary Engineer’s license or relevant trade certifications.
• Experience with union environments in NYC hotels.
• Background in sustainability initiatives and green building practices.

Work Setup & Schedule

• On-site role in Manhattan; requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency calls as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Temporary (W-2): Estimated $50–$75/hour or equivalent salary, depending on experience.
• Conversion (Perm): Base salary between $105,000 – $165,000 annually, with performance-based bonus eligibility and a competitive benefits package.
• Final pay to reflect skills, certifications, and market factors in compliance with NYC pay transparency laws.

Equal Opportunity

We value diversity and provide equal opportunity to all applicants without regard to legally protected categories. Accommodations available upon request.

How to Apply

Submit a résumé highlighting hotel size (room count), outlets supported, building systems managed, and examples of preventive maintenance or capital projects you led. Include availability for an immediate Manhattan start date. Apply here or email application / resume to LeadWithPurpose@Op-Excellence.net

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

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