Area Chief Engineer

Area Chief Engineer

Portsmouth, VA 23704

Salary Range $75,000.00 Position Type Full Time

Area Director of Engineering Shamin Hotels | Tidewater Region Based at Renaissance Portsmouth; supports additional Tidewater hotels

Shamin Hotels is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Area Director of Engineering to lead engineering and maintenance operations across a portfolio of hotels in the Hampton Roads region. This leader will be responsible for protecting hotel assets, maintaining guest and associate safety, driving preventative maintenance programs, and ensuring each property operates efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with brand standards and company expectations.

At Shamin Hotels, leaders are expected to possess and demonstrate our TOP values every day:
Team Up, Own It, and Passionately Serve
. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and accountable leader who works across hotels and departments, takes ownership of results, and serves both guests and associates with urgency, professionalism, and care.

This role is ideal for a strong hotel engineering leader who can balance strategic oversight with day‑to‑day operational support, coach property‑level engineering teams, and partner closely with General Managers and regional leadership to improve building performance, guest satisfaction, and overall hotel condition.

• Oversee engineering and maintenance operations for multiple Tidewater‑region hotels, with Renaissance Portsmouth as the primary assigned location.
• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability for property engineering teams, including hiring support, training, performance management, and development.
• Establish and monitor preventative maintenance programs to ensure guest rooms, public spaces, back‑of‑house areas, grounds, equipment, and life‑safety systems are maintained to company and brand standards.
• Support hotels in resolving maintenance issues quickly and effectively to minimize guest disruption and operational downtime.
• Conduct routine property inspections and develop action plans for repairs, capital needs, safety concerns, and physical asset protection.
• Partner with General Managers, Operations Leaders, and corporate support teams on engineering priorities, projects, budgeting, and execution.
• Assist with vendor management, contractor oversight, and service agreements to ensure quality work and cost control.
• Monitor utility usage, building systems, and operational practices to identify efficiencies and reduce unnecessary expense.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements, maintenance standards, and company policies.
• Support emergency response, incident follow‑up, and after‑hours property issues as needed.
• Participate in capital planning, renovation support, equipment replacement planning, and special projects across the region.
• Maintain accurate records related to maintenance activity, inspections, repairs, and required compliance documentation.

• A leader who lives the Shamin Hotels TOP values of Team Up, Own It, and Passionately Serve
• A professional who leads with accountability, responsiveness, and a strong sense of ownership
• Someone who can move easily between strategic oversight and hands‑on operational support
• A leader who partners well with hotel teams and regional leadership
• A hospitality‑minded engineering professional who understands the impact of building condition on guest experience and hotel performance

Team Up. Own It. Passionately Serve.

Shamin Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• 3+ Years previous hotel engineering leadership experience required; multi‑property or area‑level responsibility strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of hotel maintenance operations, including guest room systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life‑safety, and general building maintenance.
• Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize competing demands, and support multiple properties effectively.
• Strong troubleshooting, organization, and follow‑through skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with General Managers, department leaders, vendors, and associates.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, preventative maintenance planning, and capital project coordination preferred.
• Availability to travel regularly within the Hampton Roads Area
• Ability to respond to urgent operational issues outside of normal business hours when needed.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training, certifications, or trade licensure preferred.