Chief Engineer

HEI Hotels & Resorts; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Hotel room discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

HEI Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Chief Engineer at Freehand Chicago to oversee preventive maintenance, life safety systems, and capital projects in accordance with brand standards.

You will supervise engineering staff, control budgets, maintain records, and ensure safe, efficient operation of all mechanical/electrical systems and FF&E.

Strong leadership, hands-on trade experience in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, and solid communication with cross‑functional teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Vocational schooling or military training in building trades such as HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing or Carpentry.
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience at a comparable property.
• Strong knowledge of hotel operations, safety programs, budgeting and long-range planning.
• Ability to lead, train and develop engineering staff and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for all property systems (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Life Safety, IT).
• Supervise and develop engineering staff, assign tasks, monitor performance.
• Manage capital projects and ensure compliance with codes and brand standards.
• Maintain accurate records for budgets, PM programs, inspections and inventories.
• Ensure safe, clean, energy-efficient Engineering spaces and responsive issue resolution.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Life safety knowledge

Budgeting basics

Education

Vocational training in HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing/Carpentry

Military training in building trades

Job description

About Us

HEI Hotels & Resorts is proud to welcome the Freehand Chicago to our growing portfolio of distinguished properties. Freehand is a collection of hotels that combine the social culture of a hostel with innovative design, award winning food and beverage, and a community-driven atmosphere. At HEI, we understand that exceptional hotels are built by exceptional people. Our continued success is driven by our associates - the heart of every guest experience. Where people choose to work matters. In return for that choice, we are committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits, industry-leading tools and training, and a culture that empowers growth and excellence. Simply put, we honor the privilege of our associates choosing HEI by investing in them - ensuring they thrive, grow, and elevate every property we serve.

Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Compensation

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $105,000.00 AnnuallyTipped/Service Charge Eligible? NoDiscretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? Yes

Overview

Supervise the implementation of all property and equipment preventive maintenance and repairs, monitor life safety systems and utilities and administer the department in compliance with all corporate/franchise standards and local, state, and national codes and regulations to protect assets, guests and associates. Effectively manage engineering related capital projects. Responsible for the preventative maintenance and repair of the hotel's mechanical/electrical systems and equipment, and for the general maintenance and upkeep of the physical plant, FFandE, grounds, swimming pool, etc. as defined by HEI Hotels & Resorts and brand standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• A complete understanding of all building related systems - Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Life Safety, IT, etc.

• A complete understanding of all building related equipment - HVACandR, Kitchen, Laundry, Pool, etc.

• Follows company preventative maintenance procedures and guidelines for guestrooms, equipment, public space, grounds, landscaping, and building envelop, etc.

• Maintains engineering related check book accounting procedures to ensure department operates with-in budgeted guidelines while maintaining required stock of supplies and materials.

• Effectively interview, supervise, train, manage performance, assign tasks and follows-up with engineering staff to ensure maximum productivity.

• Maintains accurate records and filing system to support RandM Budget, PM Programs, Capital Budget, Capital Projects, Life Safety Systems and Inspections, etc.

• Maintains all Engineering Spaces in a safe, clean, organized, energy efficient manner.

• Tours hotel complex daily identifying items requiring engineering, housekeeping or other departmental actions.

• Considered the property expert on all Life Safety related items, trains all managers in these areas.

• Has a firm understanding of all Brands related issues and procedures.

• Has a firm understanding of all Brand related GSS, GSI, AYS, DTS problem tracking procedures and is working to correct them.

• Has a basic understanding of elementary accounting procedures.

• Has a basic understanding of PC operation and a working knowledge of Micro Soft Office Software programs and internet use.

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations, seen as a strong leader through-out hotel.

• Remains current on related technology advances that would enhance operations.

• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.

• Perform any other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Vocational schooling, military training, certification and/or experience in building related trades required in 1 or more of the following areas: HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Carpentry.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience at a comparable location. All HEI Chief Engineers are working Chief's.

• Hotel experience preferred.

• Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, security and safety programs, personnel and labor relations, preparation of business plans, repairs, maintenance, budget forecasting, quality assurance programs, hospitality law, and long-range planning.

• Skilled in several areas such as HVAC, electrical, carpentry, dry walling, painting, plumbing, roofing, and landscaping.

• ADA related Physical Demand Section: Frequent walking, climbing, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, talking, smiling, writing, at times working in cramped noisy locations susceptible to extreme hot and cold temperatures with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Leadership skills to motivate and develop staff and to ensure accomplishment of goals. Able to set priorities, plan, organize, and delegate.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.

Benefits

• HEI Hotels & Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental
• programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as
• Vision insurance programs
• through EyeMed.
• Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off.HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.
• HEI Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.