Director of Engineering & Security

Sonesta International Hotels; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Vacation & Sick Days

Hotel Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a Director of Engineering & Security to lead the hotel’s engineering and security operations. You will manage maintenance, safety, budgeting, and staff oversight to ensure a secure, well-maintained property that delivers exceptional guest experiences.

The role sits on the hotel’s Executive Leadership Team, requiring strategic planning, vendor coordination, and strong supervisory skills to drive efficiency, guest satisfaction, and compliance with all safety

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2-year degree preferred.
• At least 5 years in engineering and maintenance; supervisory experience.
• Certification in at least one qualified trade (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.).
• Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily engineering and security operations and staff.
• Oversee preventative maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Coordinate with vendors for product and service information.
• Manage purchases and inventory for engineering department.
• Supervise contractors on site and ensure quality of work.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee budgeting and labor costs; help forecast capital needs.

Skills

HVAC

Electrical

Carpentry

Plumbing

Painting

Drywall

Roofing

Landscaping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2-year trade/technical degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

Job Description Summary

The Director of Engineering & Security (DOE) is the onsite leader of building, equipment and grounds condition and security of the hotel. This position will lead and/or perform maintenance and repairs, and preventative maintenance, to all areas of the hotel. The DOE is responsible for maintaining a clean and organized maintenance shop and for the security of the hotel inventory and assets such as tools, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The DOE’s focus on guests and associate satisfaction, expense control and product quality and will lead to their contribution to the overall goals of the hotel. This role is part of the Executive Leadership Team for the hotel.

Job Description

Principle duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions) include:

Operational/Functional:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the engineering & security areas and staff to ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the customers and employees.
• Implement and supervise the preventative maintenance of Mechanical/Electrical areas, public areas and Guest Rooms per established standards and schedules.
• Confer with vendors to obtain product and service information such as price, availability and delivery schedule.
• Process purchase requests for items needed by the Engineering department.
• Manage contractors while onsite, supervise work as needed and make sure work was properly performed.
• Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities and recommend appropriate service improvements such as renovation, painting or furniture replacements.
• Ensure the building exterior and parking garage, storage spaces are clean and well maintained.
• Communicate with department leaders about maintenance needs and work orders and ensure work orders are completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure pool is serviced, including making sure chemicals are properly adjusted and filters are cleaned.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on malfunctioning systems and equipment
• Coordinate, supervise, and perform preventive maintenance work.
• Order, receive supplies and maintain inventory of supplies and operating equipment.
• Review guest satisfaction survey results with employees.
• Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.
• Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Strategy and Planning:

• Ensure compliance with all service contracts. Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations.
• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.
• Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans to achieve established goals related to guest satisfaction scores.
• Assist with development of the Capital budget.

Financial Management:

• Participate in the management of the department’s operating budget and assist in the development of the annual capital budget.
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses.
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes which support the overall objectives of the hotel.

Managing your Team:

• Interview, hire, train, and promote Engineering & Security staff. Provide consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ensure employees receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations in accordance with company policy and/or local laws.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day’s business.
• Monitor, measure, and recognize performance of employees. Assist in the annual performance evaluations.
• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve knowledge, skills and performance.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.

Leading with Passion:

• Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
• Motivate employees to perform to their highest standard and establish a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
• Focus on the mission and well-being of the departments, hotel and company.
• Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
• Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta’s core values and the guest service standards.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and to move objects up to 100 lbs.

The person in this role may be exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly.

The person in this role may be carrying, lifting or pulling items weighing up to 50lbs and pushing and / or pulling approximately 200lbs.

The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Work is performed both inside and outside. Outside work can be performed in rain and warm temperatures. Work is also performed in both guest contact and non-guest contact areas.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except in mechanical areas and when using certain equipment. Work involves using various tools, including tools that may be considered dangerous. Protective equipment and clothing will be required. Proper safety precautions specified by the tool manufacturer and/or OSHA must be followed.

Work may involve high voltage equipment and electric panels. Proper safety equipment includes but is not limited to the use of gloves that must be worn, at times for an extended period. All applicable OSHA and national and local electrical codes must be adhered to.

Expected Hours of Work

Must be flexible to work variable days of the week to include weekends and holidays.

Must be flexible to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights).

Ten-to-twelve-hour shifts are sometimes required.

Education And Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; 2-year degree from an accredited university in Building and Construction, Engineering, Mechanics, or related major preferred.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the engineering and maintenance or related professional area; technical training in HVAC-R/electrical/plumbing and supervisory experience.

Previous experience in a hotel property or service industry preferable.

General knowledge of qualified trade such as HVAC, painter, electrician or plumber, carpentry is desirable.

Certification in at least one qualified trade is required.

Qualifications And Skills

• Must be skilled in HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywalling, painting, plumbing, roofing, and landscaping.
• Must be Knowledgeable of local, state and federal regulations and safety standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital IndemnityCritical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.