Director of Engineering

The James is a hospitality brand synonymous with the seamless blend of modern, residentially styled spaces and guest-centric service. The James Chicago provides unique style and exceptional luxury service in comfortable surroundings.

Liberating luxury from tradition, the sophisticated, intelligent design and a guest-centric service ethic provide a modern aesthetic with a classic commitment to hospitality.

The hotel is ideally situated in downtown Chicago on the corner of Ontario and Rush Street, steps off of Michigan Avenue. The James Chicago features 297 guest rooms, 7,000 sq' State of Art Meeting Space, and our award winning Restaurant "Primehouse".

The Director of Engineering is responsible for genuinely supervising and coordinating the activities of the engineering staff engaged in maintaining and repairing the physical building structure, all mechanical, electrical, HVAC systems and related equipment in accordance with energy conservation and preventive maintenance programs.

Other responsibilities include:

• Create and monitors preventive maintenance programs with the assistance of the Housekeeping management team to ensure that all areas of the hotel are covered on a regular and schedules basis
• Communicates with other departments to insure guest issues and internal maintenance issues have been resolved
• Ensures guest satisfaction by performing such duties as attending to their request and inquiries courteously and efficiently, and accepting changes or additions in work hours which are necessary for the maintenance of uninterrupted service to the hotel guest and patron
• Keeps a file of all equipment repairs and vendors that have service equipment
• Maintains all tools, equipment and supplies in a secure area, keeps inventories and issues purchase order when supplies are low or purchases are need it
• Maintains lock system as necessary
• Conducts routine inspections and walk throughs of all hotel rooms and public areas
• Coordinates the maintenance, repair and installation of all assigned work through vendors and contracted work
• Provides regular status updates to the Corporate Office and General Manager.
• Maintains, controls and tracks HotSOS system for Engineering
• Leads Engineering Department as per union contract, building a positive work environment; providing support, development and feedback
• Responsible for all departmental issues, including scheduling, payroll, performance reviews, hiring, training, assignments, etc.
• Liaison to Local 399 – Engineering Union as necessary
• Maintains effective Energy Management and supports Hotel’s Environmental Conscious efforts
• Understand OSHA requirements as they relate to the hotel, maintain all MSD’s and maintains storage as per OSHA
• Rectifies any building, code, or fire violations
• Works in a safe manner that does not harm or injure self or others and wears and uses the appropriate safety clothing/equipment supplied, and follows all maintenance instructions
• Supports a safe hotel by applying hotel regulations, and adhering to existing laws and regulations
• Is actively involved with the Hotel’s Safety Committee

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge and use of all tools (power and hand tools)
• Knowledge of high tech tools and equipment
• Knowledge of plumbing and general building practices
• Knowledge of building trades, electric, mechanical HVAC.
• Strong customer service and leadership skills
• Strong Oral and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Planning and organizational ability
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and control costs in relation to revenue
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office software systems and various property specific applications (Solomon, HotSOS, CallAccounting, SafLoc, etc.)
• Knowledge of Energy Management System
• Knowledge of regulations and safety standards
• Able to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and 10 lbs. of force frequently
• Able to work nights, weekends and holidays when business needs dictates.
• Able to work in fast paced, stressful environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or related technical school degree required
• Minimum of 4 years in Engineering Management a hotel or related field required
• Knowledge of Local 399 Union Rules
• Possession of city of Chicago boiler license, EPA License.