Hyatt
Director of Engineering - Fire & Life Safety (Hybrid Opportunity)
Hyatt, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Description:
Hyatt Hotels Corporation seeks an enthusiastic Director of Engineering – Fire & Life Safety
to join our Construction & Engineering team. In this role, you will be collaborating closely
with the broader Design & Construction Services team, where you’ll be instrumental in
continuing to make Hyatt a leading hospitality company. You will be part of a team that is
passionate about our purpose, committed to nurturing curiosity and new skills, and
building connections across the organization with colleagues, customers, and guests.
Who We Are
At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our
colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the
heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest growing
hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels,
brands and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities
to our colleagues.
As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what’s most important: People. We turn
trips into journeys, encounters into experiences and jobs into careers.
Why Now?
This is an exciting time to be at Hyatt. We are growing rapidly and are looking for passionate
changemakers to be a part of our journey. The hospitality industry is resilient and
continues to offer dynamic opportunities for upward mobility, and Hyatt is no exception.
How We Care for Our People
What sets us apart is our purpose—to care for people so they can be their best. Every
business decision is made through the lens of our purpose, and it informs how we have
and will continue to support each other as members of the Hyatt family. Our care for our
colleagues is the key to our success. We’re proud to have earned a place on Fortune’s
prestigious 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the last ten years. This recognition is
a testament to the tremendous way our Hyatt family continues to come together to care for
one another, our commitment to a culture of inclusivity, empathy and respect, and making
sure everyone feels like they belong.
We’re proud to offer exceptional corporate benefits which include:
• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally
• Flexible work schedule
• Work-life benefits including wellbeing initiatives such as a complimentary
Headspace subscription, and a discount at the on-site fitness center
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off following the birth or adoption of
a child as well as financial assistance for adoption
• Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match
Who You Are
As our ideal candidate, you understand the power and purpose of our culture of care, and
embody our core values of Empathy, Inclusion, Integrity, Experimentation, Respect and
Wellbeing. You enjoy working with others, are results driven and are looking for a variety of
opportunities to develop personally and professionally.
Qualifications:
Reporting to the Vice President of Construction & Engineering, the Director of Engineering
– Fire & Life Safety is responsible for implementing and managing fire and life safety (FLS)
building design protocols across all new hotel openings, brand conversions and capex
renovation projects in alignment with Hyatt’s Global Risk governance strategy. This role
within the Design & Construction Services team ensures adherence to FLS compliance
standards by reviewing and approving variance requests and alternative solutions, directing
third-party inspection programs, and coordinating across internal teams—including
Engineering, Legal, Risk, and Operations. The oversight also includes drawings/design
reviews and site audits to ensure building infrastructure and conditions comply with the
requirements of Hyatt’s FLS Global Technical Standards.
• With a firm focus on safety assurance and regulatory execution, the Director of Engineering – Fire & Life Safety plays a critical role during the project design, construction completion / openings, and transition process in maintaining the integrity of Hyatt’s safety compliance standards, supporting risk mitigation efforts, and driving consistency and speed of application across owned, managed, and franchised properties.
Additional Comments:
• Ability to travel throughout the Americas approximately 30-40%.
• Must understand architectural & engineering drawings/specifications and have
familiarity with ADA/IBC regulations.
• Knowledge of various building types, FLS systems, construction planning processes
and cost methods.
• Compliance Oversight & Standards Execution
o Ensure adherence to Hyatt’s Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Global Technical
Standards across new hotel openings and brand conversions.
o Review and approve variance requests and alternate FLS solutions, in
collaboration with Legal and Risk.
o Maintain and update standard documentation templates outlining FLS
processes and requirements.
• Consultant Management & Governance Support
o Lead the qualification review and onboarding of Owner-approved third-party
FLS consultants.
o Direct the integration of approved third-party consultants into Hyatt’s
projects, ensuring clarity on standards and expectations.
o Maintain regular communication with approved consultants to monitor
performance and share regulatory or procedural updates.
o Coordinate and disseminate necessary documentation and resources to
third-party consultants for design reviews and site audits.
• Site Audits & Quality Control
o Manage and schedule internal FLS audits of building infrastructure and
operational safety measures, primarily within U.S. and Canada.
o Ensure compliance of on-site conditions with FLS technical standards during
site reviews and audits for new construction, conversions, and potential
developments.
o Leverage understanding of cyclical safety audit processes at operating
hotels to support project-to-operational handoff.
o Simply stated and focused on action words
o List several, but not an exhaustive list
o Special initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Internal & Cross-Functional Coordination
o Partner with Regional Operations, Openings & Transitions, Risk, and Design
teams to provide functional FLS expertise and guide approval processes
throughout project lifecycle.
o Coordinate with internal stakeholders on project FLS design reviews, site
visit documentation, and project status reporting.
o Collaborate to establish a standardized system/database for tracking
project FLS compliance documentation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Risk Mitigation
o Track and communicate FLS compliance requirements and progress
throughout design and construction phases with both internal and external
stakeholders.
o Provide clear direction and support for capex renovations of equity hotels,
openings of managed and franchised full-service hotels, aligning with risk
mitigation protocols and governance expectations.
Qualifications
Experience Required:
• 10 years minimum in a technical leadership role with fire & life safety exposure
• Experience in a construction-related field with on-site work as well as interaction
with municipality building departments and/or fire departments related to permit review /
inspections
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, BluBeam/Adobe
• Project management experience a plus
Experience Preferred:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an engineering or architectural field
• Fire Protection Engineering coursework or exposure preferred
Key Capabilities:
• Strong knowledge of FLS systems, building codes, and related requirements
• Ability to build relationships and gain credibility quickly
• Resourceful, collaborative nature, team player mind-set, possess a can-do attitude
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage confidently with senior executives and influence effectively
• Strong organizational skills and detail-orientation with ability to heavily multitask
• A natural curiosity to evaluate and analyze business problems from a variety of perspectives
• Able to work independently under general supervision for initiative and independent
judgment
• Ability to travel throughout the Americas approximately 30-40%.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all
encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or
assigned as necessary.
We welcome you:
Research shows that individuals tend to apply to jobs, only if they meet all the listed job
qualifications. Unsure if you check every box, but feeling inspired to enhance your career?
Apply. We’d love to consider your unique experiences and how you could make Hyatt even
better.
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000. This position is also eligible to earn incentive awards and an annual bonus. The final pay rate/salary offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience, skill level and other qualifications for the role, as well as the location of the performance of work. Pay for the successful candidate will meet local requirements, including the minimum local wage rate.
We value our relationships with recruitment partners and require that agencies contact us first before submitting any candidates. Hyatt will not be responsible for any fees and obligations associated with unsolicited submissions unless a formal agreement is in place.
Primary Location:
US-IL-Chicago
Organization:
Hyatt Corporate Office
Pay Basis:
Yearly
Job Level:
Full-time
Job:
Architecture/Design/Technical Services
Req ID:
CHI014968
Hyatt is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other group protected by law.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation seeks an enthusiastic Director of Engineering – Fire & Life Safety
to join our Construction & Engineering team. In this role, you will be collaborating closely
with the broader Design & Construction Services team, where you’ll be instrumental in
continuing to make Hyatt a leading hospitality company. You will be part of a team that is
passionate about our purpose, committed to nurturing curiosity and new skills, and
building connections across the organization with colleagues, customers, and guests.
Who We Are
At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our
colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the
heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest growing
hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels,
brands and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities
to our colleagues.
As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what’s most important: People. We turn
trips into journeys, encounters into experiences and jobs into careers.
Why Now?
This is an exciting time to be at Hyatt. We are growing rapidly and are looking for passionate
changemakers to be a part of our journey. The hospitality industry is resilient and
continues to offer dynamic opportunities for upward mobility, and Hyatt is no exception.
How We Care for Our People
What sets us apart is our purpose—to care for people so they can be their best. Every
business decision is made through the lens of our purpose, and it informs how we have
and will continue to support each other as members of the Hyatt family. Our care for our
colleagues is the key to our success. We’re proud to have earned a place on Fortune’s
prestigious 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the last ten years. This recognition is
a testament to the tremendous way our Hyatt family continues to come together to care for
one another, our commitment to a culture of inclusivity, empathy and respect, and making
sure everyone feels like they belong.
We’re proud to offer exceptional corporate benefits which include:
• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally
• Flexible work schedule
• Work-life benefits including wellbeing initiatives such as a complimentary
Headspace subscription, and a discount at the on-site fitness center
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off following the birth or adoption of
a child as well as financial assistance for adoption
• Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match
Who You Are
As our ideal candidate, you understand the power and purpose of our culture of care, and
embody our core values of Empathy, Inclusion, Integrity, Experimentation, Respect and
Wellbeing. You enjoy working with others, are results driven and are looking for a variety of
opportunities to develop personally and professionally.
Qualifications:
Reporting to the Vice President of Construction & Engineering, the Director of Engineering
– Fire & Life Safety is responsible for implementing and managing fire and life safety (FLS)
building design protocols across all new hotel openings, brand conversions and capex
renovation projects in alignment with Hyatt’s Global Risk governance strategy. This role
within the Design & Construction Services team ensures adherence to FLS compliance
standards by reviewing and approving variance requests and alternative solutions, directing
third-party inspection programs, and coordinating across internal teams—including
Engineering, Legal, Risk, and Operations. The oversight also includes drawings/design
reviews and site audits to ensure building infrastructure and conditions comply with the
requirements of Hyatt’s FLS Global Technical Standards.
• With a firm focus on safety assurance and regulatory execution, the Director of Engineering – Fire & Life Safety plays a critical role during the project design, construction completion / openings, and transition process in maintaining the integrity of Hyatt’s safety compliance standards, supporting risk mitigation efforts, and driving consistency and speed of application across owned, managed, and franchised properties.
Additional Comments:
• Ability to travel throughout the Americas approximately 30-40%.
• Must understand architectural & engineering drawings/specifications and have
familiarity with ADA/IBC regulations.
• Knowledge of various building types, FLS systems, construction planning processes
and cost methods.
• Compliance Oversight & Standards Execution
o Ensure adherence to Hyatt’s Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Global Technical
Standards across new hotel openings and brand conversions.
o Review and approve variance requests and alternate FLS solutions, in
collaboration with Legal and Risk.
o Maintain and update standard documentation templates outlining FLS
processes and requirements.
• Consultant Management & Governance Support
o Lead the qualification review and onboarding of Owner-approved third-party
FLS consultants.
o Direct the integration of approved third-party consultants into Hyatt’s
projects, ensuring clarity on standards and expectations.
o Maintain regular communication with approved consultants to monitor
performance and share regulatory or procedural updates.
o Coordinate and disseminate necessary documentation and resources to
third-party consultants for design reviews and site audits.
• Site Audits & Quality Control
o Manage and schedule internal FLS audits of building infrastructure and
operational safety measures, primarily within U.S. and Canada.
o Ensure compliance of on-site conditions with FLS technical standards during
site reviews and audits for new construction, conversions, and potential
developments.
o Leverage understanding of cyclical safety audit processes at operating
hotels to support project-to-operational handoff.
o Simply stated and focused on action words
o List several, but not an exhaustive list
o Special initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Internal & Cross-Functional Coordination
o Partner with Regional Operations, Openings & Transitions, Risk, and Design
teams to provide functional FLS expertise and guide approval processes
throughout project lifecycle.
o Coordinate with internal stakeholders on project FLS design reviews, site
visit documentation, and project status reporting.
o Collaborate to establish a standardized system/database for tracking
project FLS compliance documentation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Risk Mitigation
o Track and communicate FLS compliance requirements and progress
throughout design and construction phases with both internal and external
stakeholders.
o Provide clear direction and support for capex renovations of equity hotels,
openings of managed and franchised full-service hotels, aligning with risk
mitigation protocols and governance expectations.
Qualifications
Experience Required:
• 10 years minimum in a technical leadership role with fire & life safety exposure
• Experience in a construction-related field with on-site work as well as interaction
with municipality building departments and/or fire departments related to permit review /
inspections
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, BluBeam/Adobe
• Project management experience a plus
Experience Preferred:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an engineering or architectural field
• Fire Protection Engineering coursework or exposure preferred
Key Capabilities:
• Strong knowledge of FLS systems, building codes, and related requirements
• Ability to build relationships and gain credibility quickly
• Resourceful, collaborative nature, team player mind-set, possess a can-do attitude
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage confidently with senior executives and influence effectively
• Strong organizational skills and detail-orientation with ability to heavily multitask
• A natural curiosity to evaluate and analyze business problems from a variety of perspectives
• Able to work independently under general supervision for initiative and independent
judgment
• Ability to travel throughout the Americas approximately 30-40%.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all
encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or
assigned as necessary.
We welcome you:
Research shows that individuals tend to apply to jobs, only if they meet all the listed job
qualifications. Unsure if you check every box, but feeling inspired to enhance your career?
Apply. We’d love to consider your unique experiences and how you could make Hyatt even
better.
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000. This position is also eligible to earn incentive awards and an annual bonus. The final pay rate/salary offered to the successful candidate will depend on experience, skill level and other qualifications for the role, as well as the location of the performance of work. Pay for the successful candidate will meet local requirements, including the minimum local wage rate.
We value our relationships with recruitment partners and require that agencies contact us first before submitting any candidates. Hyatt will not be responsible for any fees and obligations associated with unsolicited submissions unless a formal agreement is in place.
Primary Location:
US-IL-Chicago
Organization:
Hyatt Corporate Office
Pay Basis:
Yearly
Job Level:
Full-time
Job:
Architecture/Design/Technical Services
Req ID:
CHI014968
Hyatt is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other group protected by law.