Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering Position Profile Reports to: General Manager • Exempt Position WHO YOU ARE You are a hands-on engineering leader who isn't afraid to jump into the operation, roll up your sleeves, and work alongside your team. You take pride in solving problems calmly, thoughtfully, and quickly. You understand the importance of preventative maintenance, training, and consistent standards and you know that a smooth day for our guests depends on the preparation behind the scenes. You care about people. You coach, support, and teach your team, and you value collaboration with every department. You show up with humility, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to keeping our hotel safe, functional, and beautiful. THE ROLE As Director of Engineering reporting to the General Manager, you will lead the Engineering department at Surety Hotel, a 137-room lifestyle property in downtown Des Moines. We are looking for a leader who is just as comfortable rolling up their sleeves as they are leading the team. This role requires active participation in day-to-day operations. You will oversee all building systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, mechanical, and life safety equipment. You will also perform daily hands-on maintenance work, respond to urgent repairs, and ensure the team has clear direction, support, and training. This role is highly collaborative, working closely with all departments, vendors, and leadership to ensure our guests and associates enjoy a safe and well-maintained environment. No egos. No silos. Just teamwork, accountability, and care. WHAT YOU WILL DO Leadership & Team Development Role-model Surety Hotel's values and behaviors; foster a culture of respect, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship. Interview, hire, train, coach, and schedule Engineering associates. Work side-by-side with your team daily-teaching, guiding, and inspecting completed work to ensure quality and consistency. Operations & Maintenance Lead all hands-on maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and operational engineering tasks throughout the hotel. Oversee and maintain an efficient preventative maintenance program that protects the life of all mechanical systems, FF&E, guest rooms, and public spaces. Manage the work order system and ensure timely completion and follow-up. Routinely inspect the hotel's physical condition, including monitoring moisture and humidity levels throughout guest rooms and public areas. Implement proactive solutions for dehumidification, HVAC balance, and ongoing protection of finishes, equipment, and air quality. Partner with Housekeeping and Front Office on any guest-impacting humidity concerns to ensure quick resolution and clear communication. Respond to emergencies, safety concerns, and urgent repairs promptly while ensuring team members are trained in proper safety and emergency procedures. Collaboration & Communication Work closely with the General Manager as a key member of the property's leadership team, ensuring Engineering strategies support the overall guest experience and operational goals. Work closely with Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage, and other departments to support the overall guest experience. Attend Operations meetings and contribute meaningful observations, solutions, and ideas. Build strong relationships with vendors and outside contractors, ensuring high-quality work and respectful interactions with our staff and guests. Financial & Administrative Responsibilities Understand and use operational metrics, P&Ls, and KPIs to guide decisions and improve department performance. Ensure compliance with warranties, life safety codes, and required inspections. Maintain accurate records of maintenance work, equipment, and inventories. HOW YOU WILL LEAD Lead by doing and being present, be visible, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with your team. Communicate clearly, calmly, and respectfully in all situations. Invite ideas, value input, and collaborate before implementing major decisions. Stay organized, prioritize effectively, and adapt to a changing workload. Uphold the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and humility. Balance big-picture planning with hands-on execution. WHAT YOU WILL NEED Minimum of five (5) years' experience within a hotel Engineering/Maintenance leadership role, preferably in an upscale or boutique property Technical certifications in HVAC, Mechanical Systems - preferred Backflow Prevention certification or experience working with backflow systems Experience working with Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) and humidity-control strategies in high-moisture climates Familiarity with NFPA 70E, electrical safety, and lockout/tagout procedures Advanced knowledge of hotel property, plant, equipment, and preventative maintenance systems, particularly in older buildings or coastal climates Ability to read, interpret, and work from manuals, schematics, blueprints, and technical diagrams Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and ability to use computer-assisted maintenance systems Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs/ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally Ability to work varying schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs shift WHO WE ARE Surety Hotel is proudly managed by Aparium Hotel Group-a brand built on community, character, and heartfelt hospitality. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate the diversity and individuality of every associate.

Created: 2026-03-10