Chief Engineer- Restaurant Operations

The Standard is one of the most culturally engaged hotels in the world. Hotels with real cultural life, an inclusive spirit and true creative attitude. A destination layered with events and amusements that leaves you with an uplifted feeling.

The Standard's irreverent and playful sensibility, combined with a careful consideration of design, detail and service, have established its reputation as a pioneer of hospitality, travel, dining, nightlife, and beyond. The Standard hotels are known for their taste-making clientele, their pioneering design, and their unrelenting un-Standard-ness.

Position: Chief Engineer – Restaurant Operations

Department: Engineer

Reports To: Director of Engineering

The Chief Engineer, Restaurant Operations will lead the maintenance and engineering operations of a high-end hotel, ensuring optimal functionality of all systems, including refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, energy management, kitchen equipment, and life-safety systems. This role requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of restaurant operations and the unique demands they place on engineering systems. The Chief Engineer oversees the upkeep of the property’s structures, guest and back-of-house areas, and ensures compliance with energy efficiency and safety standards.

You bring extensive technical experience in construction, mechanical, HVAC, and kitchen systems, coupled with proven leadership skills to maintain a superior guest and staff experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence:

· Supervise and perform maintenance for the entire property, including refrigeration, plumbing, HVAC systems, energy controls, fire safety systems, and all kitchen equipment.

· Ensure all maintenance services meet the highest standards, particularly in high-use restaurant spaces like kitchens, bars, and dining areas.

· Maintain energy efficiency programs, monitor utility consumption, and implement strategies to reduce waste and costs.

· Collaborate with restaurant and hotel teams to address and prevent equipment failures during high-demand periods.

Team Leadership:

· Lead, train, and supervise the engineering team, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.

· Schedule, manage, and evaluate maintenance staff, including hiring and performance reviews.

· Conduct emergency procedure training for staff across departments, focusing on restaurant-specific scenarios.

Project Management:

· Oversee all construction and renovation projects, ensuring compliance with specifications, budgets, and timelines.

· Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs for all hotel and restaurant spaces.

· Obtain competitive bids for maintenance services and manage vendor relationships.

Safety & Compliance:

· Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal building codes, ADA requirements, and health and safety regulations.

· Conduct regular safety inspections and implement corrective measures to maintain a hazard-free environment.

· Respond promptly to emergency calls, including after-hours issues, to minimize downtime and guest impact.

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent; a technical degree or trade certification is highly preferred.

· Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in maintenance within hotels and/or restaurants, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

· Expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, kitchen equipment repair, and fire safety systems.

· Valid Fire Safety Director (FSD) certification required.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Proficient in reading blueprints and understanding building systems.

· Knowledge of restaurant-specific requirements such as grease traps, ventilation, and high-capacity refrigeration.

· Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, and health department regulations.

· Proven ability to train and develop a team, fostering a culture of safety and service.

Personal Attributes:

· Customer service-oriented, with a commitment to maintaining a seamless guest experience.

· Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 lbs.

· Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and prolonged standing or walking.

· Capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, including during non-standard hours.