Director of Engineering

Choice Hotels International • Chicago, IL

32d • $125,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. The ability to model Choice’s Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit. Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Join Our Renowned Team as Director of Engineering – Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown Are you a seasoned engineering leader with a passion for hospitality and a drive for operational excellence? The Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown is seeking an exceptional, results‑driven Director of Engineering to oversee all engineering, facilities, and asset‑management operations within one of the city’s most iconic properties. Nestled within the architectural masterpiece that is the Aqua Tower and located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown, our hotel represents the pinnacle of modern hospitality. As a senior hotel executive and key member of the Executive Committee, you will play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity, safety, and long‑term value of this landmark property. You will lead a dedicated, unionized engineering team while ensuring the disciplined execution of preventive maintenance programs, life‑safety compliance, and capital‑planning initiatives. Your strategic leadership will ensure full alignment with Choice Hotels brand standards, ownership expectations, and guest satisfaction—ultimately strengthening operational continuity and the enduring value of the hotel’s physical asset.

Requirements

• 7–10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in a full-service hotel or comparable complex facility, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing a union engineering workforce in Chicago or a similar union-dense market.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems, life-safety requirements, preventive maintenance programs, and municipal compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing operating budgets and supporting CapEx planning and execution.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to navigate labor relations, ownership expectations, and brand standards simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant technical certifications or licenses (HVAC, electrical, boiler, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership & Brand Alignment Serve as a fully engaged Executive Committee member, contributing to hotel-wide strategy, service excellence, and financial performance. Ensure the physical condition of the hotel consistently supports Radisson Blu brand positioning, guest expectations, and Choice Hotels quality assurance standards. Collaborate with Ownership, Asset Management, and Choice corporate partners on asset condition, capital priorities, and long-range planning.
• Engineering Operations & Preventive Maintenance Provide leadership and oversight of all engineering operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, elevators, kitchens, pools, guest rooms, and public areas. Own and enforce a robust Preventive Maintenance (PM) program, ensuring work orders, inspections, and documentation meet Choice brand, safety, and regulatory requirements. Maintain the hotel in a “inspection-ready” condition at all times for brand audits, life-safety reviews, and ownership walkthroughs. Balance proactive maintenance with rapid response to operational and guest-impacting issues.
• Union Leadership & Labor Relations (Chicago-Specific) Lead and manage a unionized engineering team, in strict accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, work rules, job classifications, and seniority provisions. Partner closely with Human Resources to administer discipline, scheduling, overtime, grievances, and contract interpretation in a fair, consistent, and compliant manner. Build strong working relationships with union leadership while maintaining management rights and operational flexibility. Ensure staffing levels and skill sets align with operational demands, major events, and capital projects.
• Financial & Asset Management Develop, manage, and control the Engineering Operating Budget, with a strong focus on cost discipline, forecasting accuracy, and expense accountability. Partner with the General Manager, Finance, and Ownership on Capital Expenditure (CapEx) planning, execution, and tracking. Evaluate and manage service contracts, warranties, and vendor agreements to ensure value, compliance, and service reliability. Support long-term asset planning, including infrastructure lifecycle management and major system replacements.
• Safety, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure full compliance with OSHA, City of Chicago codes, fire/life safety regulations, environmental standards, and Choice Hotels requirements. Lead hotel emergency preparedness, safety training, and risk mitigation initiatives. Proactively identify and address physical plant risks to minimize downtime, guest impact, and liability exposure.
• Vendor, Project & Renovation Management Oversee third-party contractors, consultants, and vendors, ensuring adherence to union requirements, safety standards, and hotel operating protocols. Manage renovations, major repairs, and special projects with a focus on quality, timeline, budget control, and minimal disruption to guests and operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees