Assistant Director of Engineering - Kimpton Era Midtown NY

Extell Hospitality Services 

Extell Hospitality Services is a dynamic extension of Extell Development Company, blending expertise in asset management, hotel and food & beverage operations with fiscal precision and innovative marketing. Headquartered in New York City and Deer Valley, Utah, Extell Hospitality Services is committed to elevating the art of hospitality with strategic, results-driven excellence.  

Location 

Perfectly positioned at Rockefeller Center’s doorstep with a bird’s eye view of the bustling plaza below, the 33-story design-forward hotel, developed by Extell, offers expansive, coveted views of the city skyline.  The third New York City addition to the Kimpton portfolio, the striking tower features 529 guest rooms and inspired social spaces, including two full-service restaurants, a lobby lounge and a rooftop bar. Additional amenities include a fitness center and two spaces to host unique meetings and social gatherings.  

Overview 

The Assistant Director of Engineering will support the Director of Engineering in the successful launch and ongoing operation of the hotel. This role assists in the comprehensive oversight of all facilities operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests and staff. The Assistant Director will help implement preventative maintenance programs, support the management of building systems, and assist the Director of Engineering in developing and leading the Engineering team.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Facilities Operations & Preventative Maintenance:  

• Assist in developing, implementing, and overseeing a robust general preventative maintenance program for the entire hotel, including guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, and all mechanical systems. 

• Support the optimal functionality, maintenance, and repair of all HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, life safety systems, and other hotel operational equipment. 

• Conduct regular inspections of hotel facilities to identify and address potential issues proactively.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections. 

• Opening, Renovation & Project Management:  

• Support all engineering aspects of the hotel's opening, ensuring all systems and facilities are fully operational and meet brand standards.

• Assist in organizing, plan, and execute room renovation projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget, timeline, and quality standards. 

• Support oversight of ongoing room repairs and other property-wide improvement projects. 

• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal departments to minimize disruption to hotel operations during projects. 

• Team Leadership & Staff Management:  

• Assist in recruiting, training, supervising, and developing maintenance staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

• Support performance reviews and provide constructive feedback. 

• Assist in scheduling and assigning duties to maintenance personnel to ensure adequate coverage and efficient completion of tasks. 

• Budgeting & Purchasing Support: 

• Support the development and management of the annual engineering department budget, assisting in controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation. 

• Assist in the oversight of the purchasing of all engineering supplies, equipment and services.. 

• Help maintain an accurate inventory of parts and supplies. 

• Safety & Compliance:  

• Ensure strict adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations related to building codes, safety, fire prevention, and environmental standards, including specific NYC Life and Fire safety standards. 

• Support achieving brand standard scores for working order metrics. 

• Help conduct regular safety training for all engineering staff. 

• Interdepartmental Collaboration:  

• Collaborate closely with all hotel departments (Front Office, Housekeeping, third party operators, etc.) to address maintenance needs and ensure guest satisfaction. 

• Respond promptly to guest requests and complaints related to facilities issues. 

Qualifications 

• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of Engineering experience in a hotel environment, preferably in NYC. 

• Education: High School graduate or equivalent vocational training. 

• Preferred Experience: 

• Luxury/Upper Upscale Lifestyle experience 

• In-depth knowledge of NYC Building Code HVAC, plumbing and ventilation systems, Federal and NYC ADA compliance, LFSD, DOB permit process for all construction, renovation, major repairs and inspection cycles.  

• Familiarity with franchise brand Engineering standards and obligations, particularly with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels. 

• Expertise in managing contract labor and freelance agreements in compliance with the Freelance Isn’t Free Act. 

• Licenses Required: 

• Fire Safety Director (must obtain up to 6-9 months after employment commences) 

• S12 City Wide Sprinkler System (must obtain up to 30 days after employment commences) 

• S13 City Wide Standpipe System (must obtain up to 30 days after employment commences) 

• EPA Universal Refrigeration Certification (Preferable)  

• P98 Fuel Piping (Preferable)  

• Skills: 

• Proven experience of Engineering management in a high-volume hotel environment, preferably with experience in a new hotel opening or renovation project.

• Strong technical expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and general building maintenance. 

• Proficiency in budget management and purchasing. 

• Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and building codes. 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong understanding of BMS systems and other relevant software. 

• Physical Requirements:

• Standing and walking for extended periods: Necessary for conducting inspections of guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house, and mechanical systems.
• Lifting and carrying: Required for handling tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching: Needed to access and inspect equipment, systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and various parts of the building.
• Climbing: Could be necessary for accessing areas like rooftops, ladders, or navigating multi-story buildings.
• Working in various environments: This might include working in hot or cold conditions, noisy areas, or confined spaces, as is common when maintaining hotel infrastructure.
• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.

Why Join Extell Hospitality Services? 

EHS is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality through operational excellence and innovative strategies. This role provides an opportunity to lead a high-profile property and contribute to the success of a flagship operation in one of the world’s most dynamic environments. 

Typical Compensation Range: 

• Base Salary: $95K - $115K+  

Additional Considerations: 

• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and other standard perks.