Chief Engineer & Luxury Hotel Operations Leader

Hotel Emma; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotel Emma in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the Engineering Department, uphold historic character, operational excellence and luxury service standards.

You will oversee asset preservation, capital planning, life safety compliance, project management, financial performance, risk management and leadership development, building a high‑performing team in a fast-paced luxury environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent vocational training.
• 5 years’ experience as an Engineer, 2 years in hospitality preferred.
• 3 years leadership experience.
• Thorough knowledge of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and building systems.
• Strong understanding of equipment critical to hotel operations.
• Proven leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.
• Ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Engineering Department.
• Develop, recommend, and direct departmental policies, procedures, operating standards, and initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team through effective communication, training, and performance management.
• Conduct formal training programs, onboarding, and ongoing development for all engineering associates.
• Administer performance reviews and support associate development and succession planning.
• Prepare staffing schedules based on business levels, labor forecasts, and operational priorities.
• Monitor department performance and ensure all work is completed in accordance with Hotel Emma standards.
• Anticipate guest needs and ensure exceptional service is delivered at all times.
• Resolve guest concerns and support service recovery efforts related to engineering issues.
• Monitor guest-impacting trends and implement solutions that improve guest satisfaction and operational reliability.
• Conduct routine property inspections with a focus on guestrooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
• Reduce room downtime and ensure guest-facing facilities consistently meet luxury hospitality standards.
• Identify opportunities to enhance guest comfort, functionality, and overall property presentation.
• Direct the operation, maintenance, and repair of all hotel equipment, infrastructure, and building systems.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for guestrooms, public spaces, and building equipment.
• Ensure proper operation of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, water treatment, and utility systems.
• Maintain inventory levels for engineering parts, tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Oversee purchasing of engineering materials, equipment, and services.
• Analyze operational trends and implement long-term solutions to recurring maintenance challenges.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout all engineering work areas.
• Develop and execute asset preservation strategies that protect the long-term value of the hotel.
• Support capital planning, renovation projects, facility improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Evaluate project priorities, operational impacts, budgets, and timelines.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Preserve the integrity, appearance, and functionality of Hotel Emma's historic asset.
• Manage departmental operating budgets and expenditures.
• Monitor labor productivity, maintenance expenses, utility consumption, and service contracts.
• Review and approve invoices, purchase requests, and other department expenditures.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Support long-term capital forecasting and financial planning initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain regulatory compliance related to:
• Life Safety Systems
• Emergency Power Systems
• Elevator Systems
• Boiler Systems
• Water Treatment Systems
• HVAC Systems
• OSHA Requirements
• Lead engineering-related emergency preparedness and response efforts.
• Support hotel business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective action plans.
• Investigate engineering-related incidents and implement permanent solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Team development

Strategic leadership

Project management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent vocational training

Job description

Hotel Emma in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the Engineering Department, uphold historic character, operational excellence and luxury service standards.

You will oversee asset preservation, capital planning, life safety compliance, project management, financial performance, risk management and leadership development, building a high‑performing team in a fast-paced luxury environment.