HVAC/R Manager

Position Summary

The Department Head – HVAC will lead and oversee all HVAC/R operations within the company’s service area in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You will set strategic direction, manage day‐to‐day operations of the HVAC team, ensure high service quality and customer satisfaction, maintain profitability and operational efficiency, enforce safety and compliance standards, and drive growth of the HVAC department.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule and supervise all HVAC work across multiple sites (commercial, industrial, institutional) including installation of HVAC systems, major equipment (chillers, boilers, cooling towers, rooftop units), ductwork, process HVAC, and refrigeration systems.
• Develop and implement the operational strategy for the HVAC/R department: service, installation, maintenance, retrofit and capital‐project work.
• Lead, mentor and manage a team of HVAC technicians, installers and service personnel; recruit, train and develop staff.
• Ensure all projects and service work comply with codes (e.g., mechanical, HVAC, electrical, ASME, etc.), company standards and safety regulations.
• Work closely with Sales/Estimating to support new business development: pre‐bid review, scope of work development, estimation, and hand‐off to operations.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs for HVAC/R equipment and systems are implemented and tracked to reduce downtime, improve energy efficiency and extend equipment life.
• Maintain and review departmental performance metrics: revenue, margin, productivity, first‐time fix rate, service contract renewal, customer satisfaction.
• Develop and manage the department budget: cost control, labor utilization, equipment, materials, subcontractors.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight of complex HVAC/R systems: large chillers, boilers, rooftop units, process cooling/heating, controls.
• Collaborate with other disciplines (mechanical, electrical, fabrication) within the company to deliver integrated solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement: standardize work processes, training programs, safety programs, quality assurance, cost reduction initiatives.
• Serve as escalation point for major service issues or client relationships; represent the company in customer meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Must possess a New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor license.
• Must possess an EPA certification in New Jersey.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Technology, Facility Management or related field preferred; or equivalent years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC/R codes, standards, controls, service best‐practices, preventive maintenance.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in HVAC/R operations, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role in a commercial/industrial HVAC service/installation environment.
• Proven experience in large‐scale HVAC/R systems: chillers, boilers, cooling towers, rooftop units, VAV systems, process HVAC.
• Excellent leadership abilities: team building, performance management, training & development.
• Solid business acumen: budgeting, cost management, revenue growth, contract service business.
• Strong project planning and scheduling skills; ability to manage multiple jobs concurrently.
• Superior customer‐service orientation: ability to interface with clients, resolve issues, maintain relationships.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the service area as required.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to present to senior management and clients.
• Safety‐focused mindset; committed to creating and maintaining a safe work environment and culture.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• Experience with industrial/commercial clean‐room HVAC systems and regulated industries (pharma, food & beverage, chemical) given the company’s client base.
• Certified HVAC technician and/or refrigeration license (e.g., EPA Type II/Type III).
• Familiar with building automation systems (BAS), controls integration, energy management systems.
• Ability to respond to after‐hours emergencies or on‐call situations.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Office environment for much of the role; field visits to client sites required.
• Ability to visit job sites, walk through mechanical rooms, roof tops, etc.
• May require the ability to climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces, enter confined spaces.
• Some travel across the service region; possibly longer hours during service emergencies or project peaks.