Area Director of Facilities ("Director de Area de Operaciones")

Job DetailsJob Location: Hotel David Whitney - Detroit, MI 48226Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: EngineeringCOMPANY OVERVIEW We are a premier hospitality management company operating five upscale hotels in downtown Detroit. We are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through impeccably maintained properties and world-class service standards. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Facilities is responsible for the overall maintenance, operations, and physical condition of our portfolio of five upscale hotels located in downtown Detroit. This strategic leadership role oversees a team of building engineers stationed at each property and ensures all facilities are maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and aesthetic excellence. The Director will develop and implement comprehensive maintenance programs, capital improvement plans, and operational strategies that protect our assets while enhancing the guest experience. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Facilities Management and Operations Oversee all aspects of facilities maintenance and operations across five hotel properties, ensuring buildings, systems, and equipment are maintained in optimal condition Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems Establish and maintain facilities standards and operating procedures consistent with upscale hospitality expectations Conduct regular property inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities for improvement Manage emergency response protocols and serve as primary escalation point for critical facilities issues Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards Team Leadership and Development . Lead, mentor, and develop a team of building engineers assigned to individual hotel properties Establish performance standards, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and proactive problem-solving within the facilities team Coordinate work schedules and resource allocation across properties to ensure optimal coverage and efficiency Partner with hotel General Managers to align facilities priorities with property-specific operational needs Financial Management Develop and manage annual operating budgets for facilities maintenance across all properties Prepare capital expenditure budgets and multi-year capital improvement plans Analyze maintenance costs and identify opportunities for operational efficiency and cost savings Negotiate contracts with vendors, contractors, and service providers Track and report on key performance metrics including maintenance costs, response times, and asset conditions Vendor and Contractor Management Select, contract, and manage relationships with external vendors and contractors Ensure work quality, safety compliance, and cost-effectiveness of third-party services Develop preferred vendor relationships to ensure reliable service delivery Review and approve service contracts, proposals, and invoices Capital Projects & Renovations Plan and oversee capital improvement projects and renovations across the portfolio Coordinate with design professionals, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget Minimize operational disruption during construction and renovation activities Ensure all capital projects meet brand standards and enhance property value Safety & Compliance Maintain comprehensive knowledge of OSHA, ADA, and hospitality industry safety requirements Ensure all properties maintain required permits, inspections, and certifications Implement safety training programs for facilities staff Oversee life safety systems including fire suppression, emergency lighting, and security systems QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field Minimum 8-10 years of progressive facilities management experience, with at least 5 years in hospitality or commercial real estate Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience managing multi-site facilities teams Deep technical knowledge of building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation Proven track record of managing capital projects and renovation programs Strong understanding of building codes, safety regulations, and compliance requirements Valid driver's license and ability to travel between properties within downtown Detroit Availability for emergency response outside normal business hours Preferred: Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or equivalent professional certification Master degree in related field Experience with upscale or luxury hotel properties LEED certification or demonstrated commitment to sustainability practices Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) Knowledge of historic building preservation and renovation COMPETENCIES and SKILLS Technical Skills: Expert knowledge of commercial building systems and equipment Proficiency with CMMS software and facilities management technology Strong project management capabilities Financial acumen including budgeting and cost analysis Contract negotiation and vendor management Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams Excellent communication skills with ability to interact effectively with all organizational levels Strategic thinking with strong problem-solving abilities Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Strong decision-making skills, particularly under pressure Personal Attributes: Meticulous attention to detail with commitment to excellence Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset High integrity and professional ethics Customer-service orientation with understanding of guest experience impact Collaborative approach with ability to build strong cross-functional relationships WORKING CONDITIONS Primary office located at [flagship property or corporate office] Regular travel required between five hotel properties in downtown Detroit Occasional evening and weekend work required On-call availability for emergency situations Physical requirements include ability to walk properties, climb stairs, and inspect mechanical spaces SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel: Assist with any guest inquiry. Follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures. Report maintenance problems, safety hazards, accidents, or injuries. Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by direct and indirect supervisors. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting up to 20 – 50 pounds of force occasionally. Stands/walks approximately 60% of shift.  Sits at desk or in meetings approximately 40% of shift.  Strength, flexibility, and good reflexes are required to operate power-driven machinery. Noise and vibration is sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent, to cause marked distraction or possible injury to the sense of hearing, and / or sufficient vibration (production of an oscillating movement or strain on the body or its extremities from repeated motion or shock) to cause bodily harm if endured day after day. Environmental conditions are both, inside and outside, a job is considered “both” if the activities occur inside or outside in approximately equal amounts. The temperature is moderate and controlled by the hotel environmental systems. Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to four (4) hours in length. Must be able to exert well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously. Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space and to reach other departments of the hotel on a timely basis. Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs. occasionally. Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 250 lbs. occasionally. Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and subordinates. Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near and color vision and depth perception. Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment. Ability to work primarily with fingers to pick, pinch, type and carry out substantial movements (motions) of the wrists and hands as well. Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly and other office equipment as needed. GROOMING All Staff Members must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance per Azul Hospitality standards.  Refer to the property specific required grooming and uniform standards policy. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance in conformance with the standards which may be established by Azul Hospitality, from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.  Staff with irregular attendance / tardiness will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Upon employment, all staff is required to fully comply with Azul Hospitality rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the hotel’s facilities. Staff members who violate hotel rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.  Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, staff members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel. In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.  This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a staff member in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.     QualificationsSPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities: The outstanding director of facilities must understand the technical aspects of the property, support day to day business operations, ensure efficient operation of facilities, mitigate risk, and ensure that facilities meet the needs of clients and staff. Ability to manage multiple priorities, and a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset. Must be able to travel on occasion, as needed. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace. Requires good communication skills, verbal, written and electronic. Excellent organizational skills Broad knowledge of business functions Considerable knowledge of complex mathematical calculations and computer programs.  Must have excellent leadership capability and customer relations skills. Must be detail oriented with outstanding organizational and communication skills. Must possess intermediate computer skills. Must possess basic computational ability.   Ability to analyze, foresee user needs, and makes judgments to ensure proper tools are provided at property level. Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy and collect accurate information to resolve conflicts. Knowledgeable about basic function of Windows OS, MS Office, PMS, PBX, Key system, and POS. Self-driven and able to work independently. EDUCATION High school or equivalent education required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. EXPERIENCE Strong background in Facilities and Project Management, hospitality, residential or similar commercial/public facing industry preferred. Experience with complex mixed-use and historic buildings is a plus. Three to five years of Management experience required. Three to five years of Engineering/Maintenance experience required. LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS Ability to provide and maintain a valid driver’s license as the position may require the operation of motorized and electric vehicles.  CPR certification and/or First Aid training preferred.