What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Engineering position at Woodstock Inn & Resort?
New England culture and elegant accommodations await at the Woodstock Inn & Resort. Set against the iconic and beautiful village of Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn is a year-round destination wrapped in luxury and history. From gorgeous, wood-beam bed frames to plush, hand-dyed blankets, each of our 142 rooms and suites embraces Vermont’s signature style.
One of the most beloved resorts in New England, The Woodstock Inn & Resort, is a Director of Engineering to join the team.
As the Director of Engineering, you will serve as the onsite leader responsible for the overall building, equipment, and grounds maintenance of our resort. Your primary objective will be to ensure the optimal functioning of all resort systems, equipment, and facilities to enhance guest satisfaction, control expenses, and maintain product quality. Leading a team of engineers, maintenance, and grounds staff, you will oversee maintenance operations, manage budgets, develop preventive maintenance programs, and uphold safety standards.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide inspiration, direction, coaching and feedback to the maintenance teams while strengthening the culture and setting clear goals and objectives.
- Drive and implement management routines, preventative maintenance programs, improvement projects, and technical solutions for equipment, buildings, and guest rooms
- Support and guide the implementation of a computerized work order and preventative maintenance system
- Build robust maintenance and engineering programs including equipment overhaul strategies, spare parts management, technical support, reliability systems, and utility management
- Implement and drive strategic projects, and problem-solving routines to increase reliability and reduce unplanned downtime while also increasing Resort staff effectiveness and guest wellbeing
- Oversee maintenance for the resort’s systems, including HVAC, life safety, plumbing, electrical, and fleet
- Oversee maintenance of the resort’s landscape and seasonal plowing
- Develop technical subject matter experts and engineering techs responsible for the reliability and efficiency of critical areas within the resort
- Manage and build a cohesive, effective engineering team of direct and indirect reports throughout the company
- Lead the team in managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment to meet short term goals while balancing long term objectives
- Foster environment of collaboration and ownership across the team
- Provide technical problem-solving support to operations
- Maintain 24/7 coverage, including on-call responsibilities
- Communicate and engage with Resort employees at every level to build trust and continuity throughout the teams, consistently demonstrating our core values
- Oversee vendor relationships on large-scale projects to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness
- Assist with preparation of annual budget for engineering payroll, POMEC, and capital expenditures
- Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA, and health department requirements.
- Fill in where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations
- Perform and/or direct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and corrective action forms of all personnel within the department
- Manage inventory, purchasing, and department budget to ensure compliance with financial guidelines
- Update and enforce engineering policies, procedures, and work orders.
- Obtain competitive bids for contract work, supplies, work orders, and preventive maintenance programs
- In conjunction with People and Culture, recruit personnel for vacancies, conduct interviews, and select new employees for direct reports positions according to company policies
- Execute projects as directed by the Managing Director and Director of Property Operations
- Hold weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports and as appropriate with all department staff
- Attend and participate in weekly Department Head meetings
- Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional
- Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information and protect company assets
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 5 years of maintenance experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
- Prior experience as an Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Director of Engineering in a full-service hotel preferred.
- Knowledge of HVAC & Refrigeration, Plumbing, Electrical systems
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and expense control.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure while multitasking.
- Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and cost control skills.
- Proficiency in communication, including written and verbal skills
- Familiarity with local and state laws, codes, and ordinances related to engineering and maintenance
- Be a clear thinker, remain calm, and resolve problems using rational judgment.
- Valid Driver’s License required with clean driving record
- Highschool diploma or GED required
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures - i.e., outdoors in all weather, freezers, etc.
- Ability to reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, pushing, and stooping. Climb ladders of various heights.
- Must be able to push, pull and lift to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand entire shift.
- Work schedule may vary based upon business needs, a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and overnight hours is required.
This is a full-time position eligible after an initial waiting period for a competitive benefits package that includes * Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, *Employer Paid: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability* Paid Time Off, * 401k Retirement Plan with Employer match.
Our success is the direct result of dynamic, dedicated people with a passion for hospitality who enjoy being part of a devoted, hard-working team. Come join our team!