Chief Building Engineer

Location: South Florida

Position Overview: An established commercial property management organization is seeking an experienced Chief Building Engineer to oversee the engineering operations and maintenance of a commercial property. This individual will lead the property's engineering team, ensure the reliable operation of all building systems, and maintain a high standard of service for tenants and property occupants. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with commercial building systems, strong leadership abilities, and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and facility operations. A key priority of this position is maintaining optimal building performance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Building Operations & Maintenance: Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of all building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety equipment. Develop, implement, and maintain preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. Conduct routine property inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and opportunities for operational improvements. Ensure all building systems are operating efficiently and remain compliant with applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards. Oversee required building system inspections, testing, and maintenance programs. Respond to building emergencies, troubleshoot system failures, and coordinate appropriate corrective action. Maintain the overall safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the property's interior and exterior areas.

Budgeting & Capital Improvements: Assist property management with annual operating budgets, repair and maintenance expenses, and long-term capital improvement planning. Evaluate project costs, including labor, materials, and scheduling requirements. Coordinate with design professionals and contractors to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget. Identify opportunities to improve building performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend equipment life.

Tenant Relations: Maintain professional and responsive relationships with tenants and property occupants. Coordinate engineering support for tenant improvements, space deliveries, and new tenant openings. Ensure tenant maintenance requests are addressed promptly and appropriately documented. Communicate maintenance requirements and ensure tenants comply with applicable lease-related maintenance obligations.

Vendor & Project Management: Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and oversee contracted service providers. Monitor vendor performance to ensure work meets established quality, budget, and scheduling expectations. Coordinate capital projects, equipment upgrades, repairs, and building improvements. Oversee contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with safety requirements and applicable building codes.

Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and develop the property's engineering staff. Assign daily responsibilities, provide technical guidance, and monitor team performance. Coordinate staffing schedules and ensure appropriate coverage for emergency situations. Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements: Minimum of 10 years of experience operating and maintaining mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within a commercial property environment. Universal EPA CFC certification required. Strong technical knowledge of HVAC systems, boilers, heaters, pumps, compressors, refrigerant systems, and domestic water systems. Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems. Thorough understanding of commercial building operations, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment repair. Previous experience supervising or leading an engineering or facilities maintenance team. Knowledge of energy efficiency practices and building performance optimization. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize maintenance issues and respond effectively to emergencies. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. High school diploma or GED required.

Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will be a hands-on engineering leader who takes initiative, demonstrates strong technical judgment, and understands the importance of maintaining a safe, efficient, and well-operated commercial property. They should be equally comfortable troubleshooting complex building systems, managing vendors, developing maintenance strategies, and leading an engineering team.