Chief Engineer

Position: Chief Engineer

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Id: 104

# of Openings: 0

CHIEF ENGINEER

Reports to: General Manager, position is exempt

WHO WE ARE

Hotels done differently. At Aparium, we believe in the power of People, Place and Character. We ensure our hotels are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated, elevating our associates' pride in who they are, where they live and who we serve. Our hotel is a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities where we operate.

Nestled in the heart of Pioneer Square, Hotel Westland is poised to make its grand debut in early 2025, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking renaissance of the Railspur District. This historic building, originally constructed in 1907 as the Manufacturers Exchange Building, built of sturdy brick and heavy timber is a testament to the craft of the hands that built it - merging and weaving the historic narratives of the great continental railways and the bustling seaport of Seattle. This soon to be iconic 120 room boutique houses three distinct food & beverage outlets, elevated amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and meeting spaces designed for socializing, co-working, creating, eating, drinking, and relaxing.

The hotel brings together world travelers and neighbors alike while showcasing Seattle's rich legacy and knack for innovation through thoughtful touches from local businesses and artisans. The Railspur development links the history of Pioneer Square with Seattle's posture towards progress and purpose, all converging and connecting in Seattle's first neighborhood.

The hotel is managed by Aparium Hotel Group. Founded in 2011, Aparium is driven by the belief that all hospitality experiences should be fueled by the poetics of their surroundings and was born with an intense focus on unearthing the amazing moments unique to every city. Since its founding, Aparium has grown into a new kind of hotel brand, one that ventures off the beaten path, both geographically and philosophically. Recognized by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards as a leading hotel brand, Aparium is known for its singular ability to combine the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels, bringing the disparate forces together in bustling, smaller markets.

WHO YOU ARE

You are humble and understand the need to work side by side with others; and you take feedback to make things better seriously. Your career experience is eclectic and dynamic. You have prepared for the worst emergency, and you are the one exuding calm, confidence, and know-how when the unexpected rears its head. You have a special place in your heart for the people and teams you have worked with and developed during your career. You are a hands-on leader that understands training and teaching is never ending.

You verbalize instructions in a calm and cool fashion. You understand that an organized and systematic approach to preventative maintenance is necessary for the life and well-being of the property. You know every hour spent in preparation is worth ten in reaction. You know success comes through collaboration and teamwork.

THE ROLE

The Chief Engineer reports to the General Manager and like all qualified engineers possesses the diverse knowledge of electrical, plumbing, steam, gas, fire & safety, and HVAC refrigeration. As an operating engineer this position requires you to be hands-on and dive into the day-to-day operation, service and repairs of hotel equipment, so if you prefer to "see the forest" and aren't willing to "plant the trees", this is not a role for you.

The role will also actively develop trusting and transparent relations with their fellow managers and associates of the hotel. As a leader within Aparium Hotel Group this leadership position will work with a phenomenal group of peers who insist that you are collaborative, humble, experienced, and open-minded - no egos are allowed.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Uphold and role model the company's principles of People, Place and Character; and ensure direct reports are also modeling the way of our values that drive collaboration, intuition and translocal hospitality.
• Actively participate in the interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and motivating Engineering associates to create an environment that nurtures ideas and develops future talent for succession planning in the Hotel Operation.
• Lead the pre-opening and post-opening planning to ensure a comprehensive preventative maintenance program, work order system that will extend the life of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the hotel; and respect the new equipment and abide by the warranties.
• Assign associates to complete the needed activities for the day and inspect their accomplishments; and monitor associate activities to ensure standards are achieved, and associates feel supported and valued to meet and exceed guests' needs.
• Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the hotel operation and work in collaboration with other operating divisions and any third-party vendors to establish detailed cleaning and preventative maintenance programs to ensure appearance and life of all furniture, fixtures and equipment throughout the hotel, as your presence will be as regular in the outlets and floors as it is in the office.
• Be responsible for the safety, security, satisfaction and well-being of hotel guests and associates; respond swiftly and effectively in any hotel emergency of safety situations; and verify all associates are trained and following proper emergency procedures and responses while providing reliable 24-hour emergency service.
• Be fluent in operational metrics, KPI's and P&L's and demonstrates critical thinking skills by connecting those with operational observations; provide coaching and corrective action that targets root causes of issues and the highest priorities in the operation of the Engineering Department.
• Participate in all Hotel Operations meetings to provide thoughtful and insightful suggestions and feedback in order to give a voice to the Engineering Department while demonstrating commitment to the success and innovation of the hotel.
• Lead or partner with external contracted companies to assure quality and timeliness of work while prioritizing the guest experience and developing long term partnerships; and ensure the supplies and vendors treat the associates and guests as well as you do.
• Communicate regularly with the General Manager to provide updates and align on priorities, discuss plans, and request for any additional resources to support the operations; and any additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by the General Manager in support of a successful operation.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience within a Maintenance and Facilities leadership role, within an upscale, lifestyle hotel or residential community.
• Degree or certifications in HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, Refrigeration or Life Safety Systems.
• Certified Pool Operator License.
• Advanced knowledge of hotel property, plant and equipment and preventative maintenance systems.
• Pre-opening experience within the hotel or residential preferred.
• Professional proficiency of the English language in reading, writing and verbal communication.
• Ability to demonstrate intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of computer-assisted maintenance, such as MPS and BMS.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods, bend, climb stairs and lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

HOW YOU WILL LEAD

• Exemplify leading by example by working directly with each member of your team and be willing to coach and counsel with gentle correction and critical but constructive feedback.
• Openly collaborate with all departments in the hotel including Sales, Banquets & Catering, Guest Services, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage and Culinary to provide an exemplary guest experience; be comfortable in debating ideas before implementing a decision that will impact operations property-wide, as we do not work in silos.
• Be respectful in your daily interactions with your direct managers, direct reports, and your peers; be an example of the utmost professionalism and a pillar in your community.
• Highly analytical in thought and recommendations; although will never act like the smartest person in the room; and continually seek out the facts; can express a point of view without it be driven by an ego.
• Engages others in general conversation tactics to build rapport quickly; and can lead and adapt communication and presentation tactics to engage audience; displays adaptable interpersonal skills for a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.
• Approaches fact finding and discovery missions in a collaborative effort; values input and experiences of others that creates additional insight to uncover deeper issues that need to be addressed or removed as a barrier to implementation.
• Passionate in driving results of their effort and others; can influence others to take direction to execute on strategy through tactical methods; and is comfortable in prioritizing their work and that of others.
• Comfortable in being a "general" in identifying strategic needs, yet can be a "soldier" to ensure the implementation of a strategic plan is implemented.
• Prioritizes and organizes their own work when necessary by working flexible or extended hours to accommodate increased workload; can flex to the needs of an opening hotel and short-notice needs.

SALARY

$110,000 - $120,000

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, where they come from and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an E-Verify employer.

Pay Range: $110,000 - $120,000 per hour

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