Chief Engineer

Driftwood Hospitality Management; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Room discounts

Employee Food and Beverage discounts

Job summary

Driftwood Hospitality Management is seeking a Chief Engineer to oversee all aspects of engineering operations, including emergency programs, energy management, asset protection, preventive maintenance, and budgeting. The role partners with the General Manager to align with brand standards and regulatory requirements, driving quality service and financial performance.

Responsibilities include leading maintenance programs, staff development, safety training, and cross-functional collaboration to

Qualifications

• Five or more years of related experience in building management/engineering.
• Minimum of three years of managerial experience involving frequent decisions, deadline meetings, vendor negotiations, and large-scale project coordination.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Computer literacy in MS Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Direct all facets of engineering operations to meet brand standards and financial goals.
• Oversee budgeting, inventory control, asset protection, and human resources.
• Coordinate emergency programs, safety, and training with the General Manager and corporate offices.

Skills

English communication

Budgeting

Spreadsheet skills

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.

Job Summary

The Chief Engineer directs all aspects of engineering operations including emergency programs, energy management, asset protection, preventive maintenance, and repairs to equipment, structures, and grounds. This role also oversees accounting and budgeting, inventory control, human resources, and ensures alignment with the General Manager, company standards, and all relevant regulations. The Chief Engineer is responsible for quality service, meeting or exceeding financial goals, short‑ and long‑term planning, and day‑to‑day operations, and recommends the engineering budget, business plan, and capital expenditures.

Essential Job Functions

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications. The hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

Business Results

• Direct all facets of engineering and maintain brand standards to improve revenue and profit margins while ensuring quality.
• Provide leadership internally and externally to assist the General Manager in positioning the hotel as a market leader.
• Serve as a coach with a positive attitude, implementing company policies, practices, and programs.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, local, state, and national regulations.
• Maintain optimal levels of service quality and hospitality for guests.
• Walk the property daily to identify issues and engage with associates.
• Implement preventative maintenance programs to protect assets and address maintenance problems promptly.
• Inspect and evaluate engineering areas, equipment, and inventories.
• Investigate, analyze, and report on all incidents and accidents.
• Coordinate with the General Manager and external agencies to resolve problems and ensure safety.
• Generate cost comparisons and solicit bids or proposals as needed.
• Submit recommendations for changes and improvements to the General Manager.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Office to ensure accurate tracking of company assets.
• Direct all emergency programs, including equipment maintenance, staff training, practice drills, accurate recordkeeping, and compliance with all policies.
• Promote an accident prevention program to minimize liabilities and related expenses.
• Ensure staff are proficient in sanitary, safety, security, and emergency procedures.
• Notify the General Manager of potential liabilities and propose actions to prevent them.
• Ensure associates receive proper training on company assets.
• Communicate with department heads regarding maintenance needs and ensure timely response.
• Provide clear direction to staff, observing performance, encouraging improvement, and adjusting staffing as needed.
• Conduct disciplinary actions as required for direct reports.
• Conduct 90‑day and annual performance evaluations for the engineering staff.

Guest Satisfaction

• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and build long‑term mutually beneficial relationships.
• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external customers and follow up on feedback.
• Maintain a visible presence known to customers.
• Demonstrate leadership in guest hospitality and ensure consistent, high‑level service throughout all hotel events.
• Set a positive example for guest relations.
• Obtain guest feedback on product quality and service levels; handle complaints effectively.
• Review Guest Service Results and participate in corrective action plans.
• Emphasize guest satisfaction during departmental meetings and focus on continuous improvement.

Leadership

• Demonstrate commitment to Driftwood Hospitality operating principles and philosophies.
• Hold self and others accountable for achieving results.
• Address conflict in a timely manner.
• Contribute to team results.
• Handle change effectively.
• Make decisions and commit to a course of action with available information.

Building Relationships

• Conduct one‑on‑one meetings with Direct Reports to ensure ongoing development.
• Maintain open channels of communication for all levels and monitor employee relations.
• Aid in establishing a positive relationship between Hotel Corporation and property owners.
• Ensure required licenses, permits, contracts, insurance, and inspections are in proper order.
• Ensure prompt submission of all corporate, divisional, and governmental reports.
• Survey and inspect the property daily, identifying areas for improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Generating Talent

• Hire the best people from internal and external candidates, focusing on talent, diversity, and skill balance.
• Use brand interviewing tools to ensure hiring decisions are job‑related.
• Maintain succession planning.
• Use all available training tools and conduct training when appropriate.
• Manage discipline procedures fairly and consistently.
• Communicate business objectives, expectations, and recognize performance.
• Solicit feedback and review employee satisfaction results to address concerns.
• Ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees.
• Strive to improve employee retention and bring issues to the Controller when necessary.
• Celebrate successes and recognize contributions across areas of responsibility.

Organizational Learner

• Enlivens the hotel culture and supports Public Relations initiatives.
• Maintains a consistent professional and positive attitude with guests and associates.
• Communicates effectively across departmental lines.
• Approaches all encounters with a friendly, service‑oriented manner.
• Conducts regular meetings with engineering staff to provide information and educate on changes.
• Communicates engineering activities and plans to peers and superiors for guidance and approval.

Qualifications

Experience

• Five or more years of related experience in building management/engineering.
• Substantial track record in profitable engineering management with integrity and professional bearing.
• Familiarity with hospitality industry practices preferred.
• Minimum of three years of managerial experience involving frequent decisions, deadline meetings, vendor negotiations, and large‑scale project coordination.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to schedule, manage, and delegate work effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel.
• Complex mathematics and strong spreadsheet skills for accurate budgeting.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and continuously perform job functions for the duration of the shift.
• Must work in hot, cold, and wet conditions; be able to stoop, kneel, crawl, and climb on all surfaces.
• Hearing and visual ability to observe emergency situations.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders up to 30 feet.
• Grasping, lifting, and handling tools with good dexterity.
• Perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances.
• Lift and move objects up to 100 pounds.
• Frequent twisting, bending, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and smiling.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Room discounts
• Employee Food and Beverage discounts

EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.