Shift Building Operator - Kitchen & Refrigeration Equipment

Fairmont Hotels And Resorts; Southampton; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Wellness programs

Worldwide travel discounts

Job summary

Fairmont Southampton is seeking a Shift Building Operator - Kitchen & Refrigeration Equipment to ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of our luxury hotel's kitchen and refrigeration systems. You will monitor equipment performance, conduct preventive maintenance, and respond to issues across the culinary and facilities teams.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting, adherence to safety standards, and collaboration with engineering and kitchen operations to keep guest services

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in Shift Building Operator, Kitchen Technician, Refrigeration Technician, or similar role in luxury hospitality.
• Experience maintaining and repairing commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration systems.
• Experience using Work Order Management Systems and BAS.
• Ability to respond effectively to urgent maintenance situations and emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily inspections of kitchen, refrigeration, and plant areas.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration systems.
• Inspect and repair walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage.
• Perform preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure efficiency.
• Respond to urgent maintenance requests and emergency repairs.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, and performance to ensure safety compliance.
• Refer to manuals and drawings for procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized plant rooms and maintenance areas.

Skills

Kitchen equipment

Refrigeration systems

HVAC

Plumbing

Electrical

Mechanical knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade certification preferred (Electrical, Refrigeration, HVAC)

Tools

Work Order Management Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Job description

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Southampton as our new Shift Building Operator - Kitchen & Refrigeration Equipment. Reporting to the Director, Engineering & Facility Operations, the Shift Building Operator - Kitchen & Refrigeration Equipment is responsible for the safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of the hotel's commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration systems, and associated mechanical infrastructure during assigned shifts. This role ensures all kitchen and food service operations run smoothly by proactively monitoring equipment performance, responding to maintenance issues, and maintaining compliance with safety, hygiene, and operational standards. The successful candidate will troubleshoot and repair kitchen appliances, refrigeration units, and related building systems while supporting overall hotel operations through preventive maintenance, emergency response, and exceptional service to internal teams and guests., Operations & Maintenance

• Conduct daily inspections and walkthroughs of kitchen, refrigeration, and plant areas.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, fryers, dishwashers, grills, steamers, and cooking appliances.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair refrigeration systems, including walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on kitchen and refrigeration equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational efficiency.
• Respond promptly to urgent maintenance requests, equipment breakdowns, and emergency repairs.
• Monitor refrigeration temperatures, pressures, and operational performance to ensure food safety compliance.
• Refer to O&M manuals and technical drawings for troubleshooting, safe operation, and maintenance procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of plant rooms, workshops, and maintenance areas.

Inventory & System Management

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspections, and repair logs using the Work Order Management System.
• Order and maintain inventory of replacement parts, tools, and equipment required for kitchen and refrigeration systems.
• Track and report inventory consumption and equipment usage accurately.
• Monitor and operate Building Automation Systems (BAS), where applicable, to optimize equipment performance and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Kitchen Operations, and external contractors to ensure seamless operations and minimal disruption to service.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, hygiene standards, hotel policies, and operational procedures.
• Respond to fire alarms and after-hours emergency calls in coordination with Security and Engineering teams.
• Maintain awareness and adherence to lockout/tagout, confined space, fall arrest, WHMIS, CPR/first aid, and other required safety procedures.
• Participate in and lead toolbox talks and safety briefings as required.
• Report major equipment failures, hazards, or operational concerns to the Lead Shift Building Operator or Assistant Director promptly.

Guest & Team Support

• Provide exceptional service and technical support to kitchen staff, colleagues, and hotel departments.
• Support operational continuity by ensuring kitchen and refrigeration systems remain functional and efficient at all times.
• Work collaboratively within the Engineering team to maintain hotel standards and operational excellence.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall maintenance and functionality of the hotel and associated facilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Shift Building Operator, Kitchen Technician, Refrigeration Technician, or similar role, preferably within a luxury hotel or hospitality environment.
• Proven experience maintaining and repairing commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration systems.
• Experience using Work Order Management Systems and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to urgent maintenance situations and operational emergencies.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Relevant trade certification preferred (Electrical, Refrigeration, HVAC or related field).

Competencies, Knowledge & Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial kitchen appliances, refrigeration systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical equipment.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and safely.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Skilled in the safe use of hand and power tools commonly used in maintenance and mechanical trades.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and complete work orders promptly and clearly.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple maintenance tasks efficiently.
• Self-starter with a proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Willingness and ability to complete all required safety and operational training courses promptly.
• Ability to lead toolbox talks and support team safety initiatives.

Personal Attributes, Culture & Values

• Professional, dependable, and service-oriented attitude.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Calm and composed under pressure, especially during emergency situations.
• Positive team player with the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
• Proactive mindset with a willingness to take initiative and ownership of tasks.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational needs and priorities.
• Embrace the Fairmont brand promise and luxury in your role and in all your interactions.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

Circumstances

• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, public holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must be available to respond to after-hours emergency calls when necessary.
• Ability to work in mechanical rooms, kitchens, confined spaces, and varying temperature environments, including refrigerated areas.
• Physically capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling maintenance equipment and materials safely.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
• Must be able to work safely in a fast-paced hospitality environment while maintaining high service standards.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of a network of 90 spectacular properties, and 34 more in the pipeline, in 30 countries around the globe. Our properties are located from the beaches of Hawaii to the unspoiled national parks of Canada, to the heart of London, to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

About Fairmont Southampton Are you ready to join a team that thrives on excellence and embraces limitless potential? Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda's largest resort, invites exceptional individuals to be part of our award-winning team and shape the future of hospitality. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, our 593-room resort is Bermuda's largest, featuring nine restaurants, a 30,000-square-foot spa, an 18-hole par three golf course and a captivating Beach Club. Opportunities for growth and success are boundless. Our culture emphasizes respect, teamwork, and professionalism, supported by comprehensive benefits. Join our diverse and inclusive team, where your unique talents and perspectives are celebrated. Dare to go beyond the ordinary, unlock your potential and make a lasting impact at Fairmont Southampton. Together, let's create memories that exceed expectations.

Our Values Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity. Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special. Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together. Empowerment: We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences. Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.

Your team and working environment: Fairmont Southampton is a premier luxury resort and regarded as a leader in the hospitality industry. Our mission is to turn moments into memories for our Guests. An exciting hospitality career awaits you if you are committed to providing our Guests with an authentically local experience through providing warm and engaging service. Our Heartists work cohesively as part of the team in a demanding, multi‑cultural diverse environment. Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

What in it for you? As part of Accor, a global hospitality leader with over 5,500 hotels worldwide, you'll enjoy:

• Opportunities for growth and development, mentorship, and international mobility
• Health insurance, retirement savings plans, and comprehensive wellness programs
• Worldwide travel discounts and preferred rates across the Accor portfolio
• A supportive, inclusive culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and professional development