Chief Engineer

Janko Hospitality; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Hotel discounts at Hyatt locations worldwide

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Janko Hospitality is seeking a Chief Engineer for The Forester Hotel in Lake Forest, Illinois. This role involves overseeing daily operations of engineering and maintenance to ensure a safe and functional environment. Candidates should have a strong background in hotel or facilities maintenance and proven leadership skills within the hospitality industry. The position offers a competitive compensation package and a full benefits package, including medical, dental, and 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of maintenance experience, including leadership.
• Strong background in hotel or facilities maintenance.
• Experience managing building systems and preventative maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily engineering and maintenance operations.
• Manage all hotel systems including HVAC and plumbing.
• Lead and execute preventative maintenance plans.

Skills

Leadership experience

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of safety regulations

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Technical certification or degree in Engineering or Facilities Management

Tools

Hyatt BOB system

Job description

CHIEF ENGINEER

Reports to: Director of Operations

Department: Facilities

OUR STORY

The Forester Hotel is the natural selection for modern comfort and evolutionary service. Founded on the motto of “Love of Science and Nature,” the city of Lake Forest blends preservation and progress—from open lands backing onto office parks to the cobblestone streets of historic Market Square. As an upscale Hyatt property, we are committed to delivering refined hospitality through thoughtful service, strong operational integrity, and an engaged team culture. Our success is driven by collaboration, accuracy, and a passion for excellence behind the scenes and on the guest-facing floor.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Oversee daily engineering and maintenance operations to ensure a safe, functional, and guest-ready environment.
• Manage all hotel systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems.
• Utilize Hyatt’s BOB (Back of House) system to manage work orders and preventative maintenance programs.
• Lead and execute preventative maintenance to extend the life of hotel assets and minimize downtime.
• Respond to maintenance requests and emergencies promptly and effectively.
• Manage departmental budgets, control expenses, and support cost-saving and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, permits, and Hyatt brand standards.
• Oversee vendor relationships, service contracts, and capital improvement projects.
• Lead, train, and develop the Engineering team to maintain high performance and accountability.
• Partner with hotel leadership and departments to support operational goals and enhance the guest experience.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong background in hotel or facilities maintenance with a focus on safety, efficiency, and service excellence.
• Proven experience managing building systems, preventative maintenance programs, and repairs.
• Leadership experience with the ability to train, coach, and develop a team.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, compliance standards, and building systems.
• Experience with maintenance tracking systems; Hyatt BOB experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Minimum of five (5) years of maintenance experience, including leadership experience; hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Technical certification or degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

Other Information

What You Can Look Forward To

• Competitive compensation package
• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Growth opportunities within a company focused on strategic expansion and development
• Hotel discounts at Hyatt locations worldwide Tuition Reimbursement

Janko Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. The posted wage range represents the good‑faith base pay range for this role at the time of posting. Total compensation may include base salary, benefits, and other company‑provided offerings.