Job Description

Why us?

Iconic architecture, a thriving culinary scene, beautifully landscaped public spaces, and an array of world-class museums are just part of what draws visitors to the Windy City. At The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago — located atop Water Tower Place in the historic Gold Coast — guests can explore everything from shopping along Michigan Avenue to admiring masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago. Yet behind every flawless guest experience is a meticulously maintained facility operating at the highest standard.

As Director / Chief of Engineering, you are the strategic leader ensuring the integrity, safety, and performance of the property’s physical plant. Overseeing building systems, preventative maintenance programs, capital projects, energy management, and regulatory compliance, you safeguard both the guest experience and the long-term value of the asset. Your leadership fosters a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and technical excellence, ensuring that every space — from guest rooms to ballrooms to back-of-house — operates seamlessly.

Recognized globally as the gold standard of hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton selects only the most accomplished and forward-thinking professionals. As one of our Ladies and Gentlemen, you will embody the values that define the world’s finest luxury brand. In a diverse and collaborative environment where operational precision and innovation are celebrated, you will be empowered to lead with vision, develop technical talent, and uphold the infrastructure that allows extraordinary service to shine — for our guests and for one another.

Develop, implement and manage emergency programs for the operation and maintenance of all equipment and physical structures and landscaping in compliance with corporate/franchise standards, local, state and national codes and regulations to protect the asset, guests and employees, to ensure optimum operations, minimize expenses and maximize customer satisfaction. Position is responsible for the short and long term planning and day-to-day operations of the engineering division. Recommends the department's budget and capital expenditures and manages expenses within approved budget constraints. Participates in total hotel management as a member of the hotel Executive Committee.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Human Resources in the division to attract, retain and motivate the staff; hire, train, develop, empower, coach and counsel, conduct performance and salary reviews, resolve problems, provide open communication vehicles, discipline and terminate, as appropriate.
• Develop, recommend, implement and manage the department's budget capital expenditure plan, forecasts and objectives consistent with maintaining a first class property and management's expectations.
• Develop, implement and manage a maintenance program and negotiate maintenance contracts for the hotel, the grounds and all of the equipment in compliance with corporate/franchise standards and local, state and national codes and regulations to ensure the safety, convenience and satisfaction of all guests, managers and employees to protect the asset and maintain the property in first class condition.
• Develop, implement and direct all Emergency Programs; ensure all equipment is maintained, conduct inspections and drills, ensure compliance with all codes and regulations, train all employees and maintain accurate records to ensure a safe environment which protects the asset, guests and employees.
• Develop, implement and manage energy conservation programs for the property to minimize expenses.
• Coordinate renovation bidding, define the cost and scope of the project and oversee the general contractor and subcontractors to ensure quality work is performed for minimal cost.

Qualifications

Education/Formal Training

More than two years of post high school education

Experience

Experience required by position is from four to five years of employment in a related position with this company or other luxury organization(s).

Knowledge/Skills

• Requires advanced knowledge of building management/engineering. May require advanced working knowledge of other major areas in the hotel and the skill to integrate and communicate that information.
• Requires advanced knowledge of building management/engineering and housekeeping operations.
• May require considerable working knowledge of other major areas in the hotel and the skill to integrate and communicate that information.
• Must have advanced working knowledge in the following areas:
• General plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical systems, boilers, bathroom fixtures and tiling,
• painting – prep to finish, basic carpentry, groundskeeping. Requires advanced knowledge of building management/engineering.
• Requires analyzing activities and/or information involving some original data manipulation or interpretation to arrive at logical conclusions.
• Requires management skills.
• Ability to provide information and associated services to hotel management and guests.
• Excellent comprehension and literacy required for procedures, reports, budgets, instructions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to communicate with management and staff.
• Ability check hotel premises.
• Ability to communicate with management and staff.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying of weights up to 25 lbs. and occasionally greater, for all hotel equipment and machinery. 50-75% of job function.
• Frequent bending and/or kneeling throughout the day for repairs and maintenance of hotel property, equipment and machinery. 50% of job function.
• Mobility - throughout the hotel, all floors, varying heights and distances. Use of ladders and lifts required at times. Generally 75-80% of job function.
• Continuous standing required in varying degrees throughout the day.
• Climbing stairs up to approximately 210 steps 5% of each day.
• Driving - limited driving on an occasional basis for supplies, equipment, etc. Generally within 20 miles.

Environment

Work inside 95% of week; outside 5% of week. Abnormal temperatures - walk-in freezers - below 32 degrees, 1% of the time.

Benefits

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

Independent PTO Program

Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching

Health savings and flexible spending accounts

Basic Life and AD&D insurance

Company-paid short-term disability

Employee Assistance Program

Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more

$150,000 - $170,000/Annual