Chief Engineer

Freehand•Chicago, IL

About The Position

CHIEF ENGINNER - FREEHAND CHICAGO We need an exceptional and passionate Chief Engineer to oversee all installation, repair and upkeep operations of the company’s facilities. You will be the one to ensure that your colleagues have the best physical resources available to complete their duties according to budget. Help us to create an unforgettable experience. Be a part of Europe’s fastest moving, ground breaking, lifestyle & hospitality brand. WHO ARE WE Freehand is on a journey. Appropriate, given that we're a shared accommodation brand. Freehand swung through the US coolest cities on its way to dominating the world. It burst onto the scene in the Americas with the launch of our properties in the country’s biggest markets (NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago) with the acquisition of Freehand Hotels. Created for a new generation of urban travelers, Freehand combines the social culture of a hotel with innovative design by Roman and Williams, comfort and quality food and beverage at an affordable price. No biggie. Fast Company named us one of the top 50 most innovative global companies. We, of course, agree. And now this top 50 most innovative global company (did we mention that?) wants a pretty awesome Chief Engineer. Our spaces are safe and seriously social, in the proudest part of the beating heart of the cities we love. Cultural action, creative pulse and an outstanding way to waste some of the finite time the universe has given you - that's what Freehand offers. Holds true for staff and visitors equally, and while chic design is always the backdrop, every Freehand in every destination reflects the unique beat of that city's heart. ABOUT FREEHAND CHICAGO Welcome to Freehand’s second outpost! Designed by Manhattan-based Roman and Williams, the building celebrates the city’s Midwestern heritage with a string of evocative communal spaces and rooms located in the restored 1927 Art Deco building, set among the high-rises of the downtown River North neighbourhood – home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Featuring 217 rooms and amazing public spaces like Café Integral coffee and breakfast bar and the cozy Broken Shaker Bar, it’s a buzzing, busy space that represents the best of Freehand. Between the busy social calendar and the ever-changing makeup of guests and locals coming to play, it’s a particularly fun and fulfilling space for everyone in the Freehand Chicago team to work in.

Requirements

Hands-on attitude, with attention to detail
To be able to lead and inspire people to be their best
To be a great communicator, people manager and motivator
Be eligible to work in the EU to be considered for this role
Proven experience as maintenance manager or similar role
Solid understanding of technical aspects of plumbing, carpentry, electrical systems etc.
Working knowledge of facilities machines and equipment
Experience in planning maintenance operations

Responsibilities

Leading the engineering and maintenance operations of the property, including the standard of building, machinery, plant, furniture, fixtures and equipment in all areas
Ensure the safety and security of property and people by coordinating and ensuring the implementation of procedures and regulatory follow-up
Plan and oversee all repair and installation activities including fire safety installations
Ensuring the hotel is prepared for regular fire, H&S and building audits
Keep maintenance logs and report on daily activities
Manage relationships with contractors and service providers
Carry out inspections of the facilities to identify and resolve issues
Have a comprehensive knowledge of, and ensure that you comply with all statutory local legislation and regulation, in particular, H&S, building regulations and Fire Safety
Monitor, optimise and anticipate your budgets and your maintenance and personnel expenses
Contribute to the optimisation of the results of the property including making rooms available for sale
Develop and train all employees within your charge in order that they perform to the required standard
Communicate effectively so that the team understands its goals and is motivated to achieve them
Strive at all times for 100% customer satisfaction
Other duties as may be reasonably required will form part of this job description.

Benefits

Birthday holiday in addition to your yearly holiday allocation
Fertility Treatment Support Leave - up to three days' paid leave in any one year for an employee to undergo fertility treatment
Employee Bounty Program providing opportunities to earn a compensation for new hire referrals with no cap on number of referrals made
Company contribution towards gym membership fees for all eligible employees – look good, feel good, work good
Ideas Award - Quarterly award to double gross basic salary for 1 month to employee with most valuable suggestion/feedback
2 free nights’ accommodation across any of our Generator x Freehand properties globally
Reduced room rates for staff as well as friends and family members (we operate in several locations across Europe & US so your next holiday is sorted)
International career opportunities so you can travel the world while working with us (win-win!)
Social events, celebrations calendar & various employee recognition schemes – we never ever need an excuse to let our hair down!
Online learning tools to help you develop, learn and grow
9 holidays
Paid vacations (80 hours per calendar year)
Paid sick leave (40 hours per calendar year)
Medical + Dental + Vision (subsidised contributions)
Life & Disability (employer paid)
Commuter benefits
Voluntary products: Voluntary Life, Legal Shield/ID Shield, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, critical illness, Accident Insurance and FSA