Engineering Manager

About Palm House 

Palm House is a boutique luxury property rooted in elevated hospitality, intentional care, and a people-first culture. Inspired by Forbes Travel Guide principles, we believe excellence is created through consistency, accountability, and genuine warmth—both for our guests and for one another. Every detail matters, and every role contributes to the story we tell. 

Job Description  

The Engineering Manager is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all building operations, preventive maintenance programs, safety initiatives, capital planning support, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to senior leadership, this role manages day-to-day engineering operations and ensures that all facilities and technical systems operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Palm House’s Forbes Five-Star standards.  

This position blends hands-on technical expertise with strong people leadership and project management skills. The Engineering Manager leads the Engineering Department, supports capital projects, and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Success in this role requires a hospitality-focused engineering professional with advanced system knowledge and proven experience managing teams in a luxury environment.  

Key Responsibilities  

Facilities Operations & Infrastructure Management  

• Oversee daily operations and performance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life-safety, and building automation systems.  
• Ensure all equipment, utilities, and facilities are maintained at optimal operating standards and in accordance with manufacturer specifications.  
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the property’s preventive maintenance program.  
• Conduct routine inspections of guestrooms, public areas, exterior spaces, and back-of-house facilities to ensure quality, safety, and reliability.  
• Respond promptly to operational needs and ensure work orders and service requests are resolved efficiently with minimal guest impact.  
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight  

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, fire safety, environmental standards, and building codes.  
• Maintain accurate documentation for inspections, certifications, permits, and safety records.  
• Lead life-safety and emergency preparedness programs, including fire drills, equipment testing, and staff training.  
• Proactively identify, report, and mitigate safety hazards to ensure a secure environment for guests and employees.  

Capital Projects & Renovations  

• Support and oversee capital improvement projects, renovations, and major repairs from planning through completion.  
• Assist in developing project scopes, budgets, and timelines in alignment with ownership and operational goals.  
• Coordinate and manage contractors and vendors to ensure quality workmanship, safety compliance, and adherence to schedules.  
• Evaluate and recommend long-term infrastructure improvements to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and asset longevity.  

Leadership & Cross-Department Collaboration  

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering team members, promoting technical excellence, accountability, and service-oriented culture.  
• Assign workloads, monitor performance, and support training and career development initiatives.  
• Collaborate with Rooms, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and other departments to support operational needs and guest satisfaction.  
• Communicate clearly with executive leadership regarding engineering performance, system conditions, risks, and operational priorities.  

Administrative, Budgeting & Technology Management  

• Assist in managing the Engineering Department budget, including labor, operating expenses, and capital tracking.  
• Maintain accurate records for work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, equipment histories, and inventory control.  
• Oversee procurement of tools, parts, and supplies while ensuring cost efficiency and quality standards.  
• Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, improve sustainability practices, and control operational costs.  
• Support system upgrades, integrations, and implementation of property technologies that improve engineering efficiency and building performance.  
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field required.  
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role within luxury hospitality.  
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, fire-life safety, and building automation systems.  
• Thorough understanding of safety regulations, environmental standards, and preventive maintenance best practices.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and support complex projects in a fast-paced environment.  
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.  
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to operational excellence and safety.  

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.  
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and work in tight, elevated, or physically demanding environments for extended periods.  
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including mechanical rooms, rooftops, and outdoor conditions.  
• Availability to respond to after-hours emergencies and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as operational needs require.