Director of Engineering bei Proper Hospitality

Situated in Downtown’s 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With an emphasis on collaboration, Austin Proper features both inspired interiors by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler and is guided by the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 238 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drink; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; and a variety of atmospheric event spaces. And it wouldn’t be Proper without a 5th floor pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and sunset views.

Job Summary: 

The Director of Engineering is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and overall functionality of all hotel facilities and infrastructure. This role ensures that the hotel’s physical assets, including its HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment, are in excellent condition, safe, and compliant with industry standards. The Director of Engineering leads a team of engineers and maintenance staff to support the operational needs of the hotel, while also implementing preventive maintenance programs, managing capital projects, and working closely with other hotel departments to ensure guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Leadership & Team Management:
  1. Lead, mentor, and manage the engineering team, including engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff.
  2. Develop and implement training programs to ensure staff are skilled, knowledgeable, and up-to-date on the latest technologies and industry best practices.
  3. Provide guidance and support to the team in the daily execution of their responsibilities and ensure a high level of team performance.
  4. Conduct performance reviews, establish development goals, and handle any staff performance issues as they arise.
• Facility Maintenance & Operations:
  1. Oversee the maintenance and repair of all hotel infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, elevators, and mechanical systems.
  2. Ensure that all hotel equipment and systems are operating at optimal levels, and coordinate repairs as needed to minimize guest disruptions.
  3. Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program to proactively address potential issues before they become problems.
  4. Ensure that the hotel is in compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Budget & Cost Management:
  1. Prepare and manage the engineering department’s budget, ensuring that costs are kept within budgetary guidelines while maintaining high standards of service.
  2. Analyze and optimize the use of resources, making recommendations for energy-efficient solutions, cost-saving measures, and improvements to reduce the hotel’s operational costs.
  3. Review and approve purchase orders for supplies and equipment, ensuring compliance with budget and quality standards.
• Capital Projects & Renovations:
  1. Oversee and manage all capital improvement projects, including renovations, equipment upgrades, and new installations.
  2. Work closely with the hotel’s senior management team and external contractors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
  3. Coordinate with the hotel’s design, construction, and operations teams to ensure that renovations and construction projects do not disrupt hotel operations.
• Guest Satisfaction & Safety:
  1. Ensure that all engineering-related issues affecting guest experience are resolved quickly and effectively.
  2. Implement and monitor safety protocols, ensuring the hotel is compliant with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  3. Conduct regular safety inspections to ensure the safety of guests, employees, and the hotel’s physical property.
  4. Address and resolve guest complaints or concerns related to engineering services, ensuring a timely and satisfactory resolution.
• Vendor & Contractor Management:
  1. Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors for specialized services, including equipment repairs, renovations, and technical support.
  2. Ensure that third-party contractors are performing work in accordance with the hotel’s standards, budget, and schedule.
  3. Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, ensuring competitive pricing and quality service.
• Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility:
  1. Implement and manage sustainable practices and initiatives to reduce the hotel’s environmental impact, including energy management, waste reduction, and water conservation.
  2. Stay current on industry trends and innovations in green technology, seeking opportunities for the hotel to adopt more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.
• Emergency Response & Crisis Management:
  1. Lead the engineering team in responding to emergency situations such as power outages, HVAC failures, or plumbing issues, ensuring minimal disruption to hotel operations and guest experience.
  2. Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans and conduct regular drills to ensure the team is equipped to handle unexpected situations.

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in facilities or engineering management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or director-level role within the hospitality industry.
• Knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with energy management, sustainability practices, and green building standards is a plus.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• In-depth knowledge of hotel infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing renovations, repairs, and capital projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex maintenance and engineering issues quickly and effectively.
• Strong budget management and cost control experience.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as local building codes.
• Ability to work effectively with senior management, contractors, vendors, and other hotel departments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of staff and management.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the hotel property for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment or materials, up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional need to climb ladders, operate machinery, or work in confined spaces.

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is made up of a diverse group of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: There is a right way to do things and anything less just isn't proper. We are seeking out the best of the best from inside and outside of the industry to work alongside us as we grow a new kind of lifestyle Hospitality Company inspired by a centuries-old tradition. The work is challenging and fast-paced but rewarding above all.

Proper Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.

Proper Hospitality will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.