Lead Shift Building Operator

Job Description

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Southampton as our new Lead Shift Building Operator. The Lead Shift Building Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operation, maintenance, and safety of all of the hotel’s building systems and equipment. This senior-level role includes supervising other building operators, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of systems, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, and collaborating with management to implement upgrades and maintenance policies.

What you will be doing:

Systems Operation & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain all hotel building systems, including Building Automation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, water systems (chilled water, potable/non-potable water), steam/heating systems, pumps, chillers, boilers, air-handling units, and other equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections, preventive maintenance, testing, and diagnostics to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
• Perform repairs and troubleshoot issues; escalate major failures or complex maintenance issues in consultation with the Director of Engineering. (Based on typical shift-operator duties.)
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, inspections, repairs, and service logs; manage work orders, schedules, parts inventory, and supplies.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and lead the building operators and maintenance technicians during shifts.
• Oversee the Transcendent work order system and assignment of work orders , monitor work performance, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and hotel quality standards.
• Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to junior operators or maintenance staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all maintenance work complies with relevant building, safety, and environmental regulations, including fire-safety systems, life safety systems, and hotel property standards.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in mechanical/plant rooms and work areas; ensure the safety and cleanliness of all operational zones.
• Participate in emergency response and on-call duties when required (e.g., during off-hours or unexpected system failures), coordinating with other departments and contractors when needed. (Common in hotel engineering roles.)
• Respond to all fire alarms in conjunction with Security.

Continuous Improvement & Project Support

• Work with the Director of Engineering to develop and implement maintenance policies, procedures, and preventive maintenance (PPM) programs to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime. (Based on roles like shift plant engineer / BMS operator.)
• Support renovation, system upgrades, and special projects (e.g., HVAC upgrades, new equipment installation), coordinating work with contractors, vendors, and other hotel departments.
• Monitor and manage parts/supplies inventory; ensure adequate stock and timely procurement of parts to support maintenance operations.

Guest & Internal Stakeholder Support

• Respond in a timely and professional manner to guest and staff maintenance requests (guest rooms, public areas, staff areas), ensuring guest comfort and satisfaction.
• Coordinate with housekeeping, front-office, food & beverage, and other departments to schedule maintenance work with minimal disruption to guests and operations.
• Represent the engineering team with professionalism, maintaining a tidy personal presentation and treating guests and staff with courtesy and respect.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: ·

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a building operator, maintenance technician, or similar engineering role ideally in a luxury hotel or large commercial property.

Education

• Trade certification (e.g., Electrical, Plumbing, 3rd Class Power Engineer, Plant/Steam/Mechanical certification) — or equivalent recognized qualification.

Competencies, Knowledge & Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building systems, including chillers, boilers, water systems, pumps, and controls.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience, ability to manage a team, assign tasks, mentor, and ensure compliance with operating standards.
• Outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, shift schedules, work orders, documentation, and maintenance logs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills capable of working with team members, contractors, staff, and interacting professionally with guests.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, make decisions quickly, and respond to emergencies or unplanned maintenance events.

Personal Attributes

• Maintains composure and sound judgment during emergencies, equipment failures, or high-demand periods.
• Dedicated, disciplined, and committed to maintaining high service and operational standards.
• High attention to detail and commitment to excellence
• Collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Circumstances

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by operational needs.

Additional Information

Employee Benefits:

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits. Add any other benefits relevant to your property.

What’s in it for you?

As part of Accor, a global hospitality leader with over 5,500 hotels worldwide, you’ll enjoy:

• Opportunities for growth and development, mentorship, and international mobility
• Health insurance, retirement savings plans, and comprehensive wellness programs
• Worldwide travel discounts and preferred rates across the Accor portfolio
• A supportive, inclusive culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and professional development

Start your journey with us today and explore the possibilities! #BeLimitless

Our Values

Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.

Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.

Empowerment: We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences.

Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.

Your team and working environment:

Fairmont Southampton is a premier luxury resort and regarded as a leader in the hospitality industry.  Our mission is to turn moments into memories for our Guests.  An exciting hospitality career awaits you if you are committed to providing our Guests with an authentically local experience through providing warm and engaging service.

Our Heartists work cohesively as part of the team in a demanding, multi-cultural diverse environment.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.