Chief Engineer - Franchise

Hilton Garden Inn - Kansas City Riverside

Position starting March 2026 to assist with opening activities and preparation.

Come be a part of Kansas City's newest Hilton hotel. A stunning hotel, operated by Scarlett Hotel Group, a premier operator of Hilton hotels.

Support the General Manager in leading and managing all aspects of hotel operations to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintain Hilton brand standards, and achieve financial goals. Serve as a key leader in a growing Riverside area with strong community presence.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and physical condition of the hotel. This leader ensures all building systems, guest rooms, public spaces, and mechanical equipment are maintained to Hilton brand standards while protecting the asset and delivering an exceptional guest experience. This role is hands-on and highly visible during our pre-opening phase and ongoing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Asset Protection

• Oversee all preventative maintenance programs and capital improvement planning.
• Maintain HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire/life safety, kitchen equipment, elevators, and mechanical systems.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton QA standards and local/state codes.
• Conduct routine property inspections and ensure timely work order completion.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts.

Pre-Opening Leadership

• Assist with final inspections, system testing, and punch list completion.
• Coordinate warranty tracking and documentation.
• Ensure building systems are fully operational prior to opening.
• Establish engineering SOPs and maintenance logs.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the engineering department budget.
• Control expenses while protecting the physical asset.
• Support capital planning and ROI-focused repairs.
• Manage parts inventory and purchasing.

Safety & Compliance

• Lead fire/life safety programs and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Maintain OSHA compliance and ensure a safe work environment.
• Oversee pool/spa compliance (if applicable).
• Serve as Safety Committee lead.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and develop evening maintenance technician.
• Excellent cross-department communication a must.
• Create on-call schedules and ensure 24/7 emergency coverage.
• Promote accountability and professional standards.

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive hotel engineering experience, demonstrating clear growth (e.g., Maintenance Technician → Engineering Supervisor → Chief Engineer).
• Prior Hilton brand experience strongly preferred (Hilton Garden Inn experience a plus).
• Experience in focused-service or full-service hotel environments.
• Proven success leading an engineering or maintenance department.
• Pre-opening experience preferred but not required.

Leadership & Operational Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop maintenance teams while holding associates accountable.
• Strong working knowledge of Hilton brand standards, QA processes, and property condition expectations.
• Experience managing preventive maintenance programs and asset protection initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage labor, scheduling, vendor relationships, and productivity within budget.
• Understanding of hotel P&L impact, capital planning, and expense control.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and life-safety systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Experience with Quore or similar maintenance tracking systems.
• Proficiency in basic computer systems (Microsoft Office, work order systems, purchasing platforms).

Personal Attributes

• High accountability and ownership mindset for protecting the asset.
• Hands-on, solutions-oriented leader with strong problem-solving ability.
• Calm and decisive in emergency situations.
• Strong communicator with vendors, ownership, and team members.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage.

Benefits

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive base salary + performance bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Hilton Team Member Travel Program (discounted hotel stays worldwide)
• Professional development and advancement opportunities within Scarlett Hotel Group
• Leadership exposure during a high-visibility pre-opening project
• Employee referral bonus program

Disclaimer This job posting is for a position at a hotel that is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. The franchisee controls all aspects of the hotel's employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, salary, benefits and compensation decisions, and the collection and processing of the personal data that you provide on this website. If you accept this position, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Hilton. You will not be eligible from compensation or benefits from Hilton. You will be eligible for compensation or benefits only as may be provided to you by the independent franchisee.