Director of Engineering

Avion Hospitality; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Avion Hospitality in Lexington, KY seeks a Strategic Chief Engineer to lead the hotel’s Engineering department, including building maintenance, grounds, and asset protection. You will drive guest and associate satisfaction while optimizing financial performance and complying with brand standards.

You will develop long‑term engineering strategies, recruit and mentor a high‑performing team, and oversee safety, projects, and preventive maintenance to maximize asset reliability and lifecycle value.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of hospitality facilities management experience.
• Has held Chief Engineer or Director of Engineering roles in large full‑service properties.
• Experience leading facilities, construction and renovation projects.
• Certified Pool Operator or ability to become certified within six months.
• Licenses or certifications in HVACR or EPA are a plus.
• Proven leadership and management skills at the highest level.
• Proficient with computers, PM systems, and general office software.
• Ability to read blueprints and project documents.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and building automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long‑term engineering strategies aligned with brand objectives.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor a high‑performing engineering team.
• Ensure technical excellence, safety compliance, and quality standards across all engineering functions.
• Oversee planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects on time and within budget.
• Manage department budgets, labor, equipment, and resources effectively.
• Direct preventive maintenance programs to protect assets and reliability.
• Collaborate with other departments to maintain operational alignment.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and brand standards.
• Provide hands‑on leadership, troubleshooting, and technical guidance as needed.
• Drive energy management, sustainability, and life‑safety system improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Facilities management

HVAC systems

Energy management

Safety compliance

Vendor relations

Troubleshooting

Team mentoring

Education

Hospitality facilities management

Chief Engineer experience

Construction/renovation projects

Certified Pool Operator

Trades certifications (HVAC/EPA)

Budgeting & cost control

Blueprints reading

Job description

Functions as the Strategic Business Leader of the hotel’s Engineering department. Position has overall responsibility for building, plant maintenance and protection, grounds landscaping and maintenance, guest and associate satisfaction, as well as the financial performance of the department. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives. The position ensures engineering operations meets the brand’s target, customer needs, ensures associate satisfaction and maximizes the financial performance of the department. As an executive committee member, develops and implements hotel-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the brand’s target customer and property associates. Ensures long term asset protection and effectively manages capital expenditures to maximize the return on investment to the owner.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement long-term engineering strategies aligned with White Lodging and property objectives.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor a high-performing engineering team.
• Ensure technical excellence, safety compliance, and quality standards across all engineering functions.
• Oversee planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects on time and within budget.
• Manage department budgets, labor, equipment, and resources effectively.
• Direct preventive maintenance programs to protect the asset and enhance reliability.
• Collaborate with Housekeeping, Front Desk, F&B, Sales, and other departments to ensure operational alignment.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and brand standards.
• Provide hands-on leadership, troubleshooting, and technical guidance when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement in energy management, sustainability, and life-safety systems.
• Develop and implement long-term engineering strategies aligned with company and property objectives.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor a high-performing engineering team.
• Ensure technical excellence, safety compliance, and quality standards across all engineering functions.
• Oversee planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects on time and within budget.
• Manage department budgets, labor, equipment, and resources effectively.
• Direct preventive maintenance programs to protect the asset and enhance reliability.
• Collaborate with Housekeeping, Front Desk, F&B, Sales, and other departments to ensure operational alignment.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and brand standards.
• Provide hands-on leadership, troubleshooting, and technical guidance when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement in energy management, sustainability, and life-safety systems.

Education/Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in Hospitality Facilities Management
• Has held previous positions of Chief Engineer or Director of Engineering in large full-service property
• Experience in leading facilities, construction and renovation projects
• Certified Pool Operator or able to be certified within six months
• Licenses or certifications in specific trade a plus (HVACR, EPA)
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in the highest level
• Proficient in the use of computers, including word processing software, spreadsheets, email systems, property management systems, and project management systems
• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and project documents
• Knowledge of budgeting and cost control, building and maintenance automation, fire and life safety systems, capital planning and administration, contract processes and standards, vendor relationship
• Experience with boilers and chillers