Service/Startup Manager - Multifamily Division

About J.R. Hobbs
With over 50 years of proven success, J.R. Hobbs is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in the design, planning, and installation of HVAC systems for multifamily, major projects, and commercial construction. With more than 100 active projects across eleven Southeastern states, we are dedicated to developing our people and promoting from within. As a Gladstone Investments Company (NASDAQ: GAIN), we offer the stability of a publicly traded organization alongside the culture of a close-knit team.

What We Offer

• Competitive weekly pay
• Generous performance-based bonus program
• No overnight travel required – enjoy work-life balance
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (50% match after vesting period)
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Company-issued iPhone and iPad
• Tuition and boot reimbursement
• Employee perks including tire patch program and more

Position Summary

The Startup Manager is responsible for the operational execution, quality control, and performance of all multi-family service and startup work within the Commercial Services Division. This position reports to the Director of Commercial Services and works in close coordination with the project teams, Commercial Service Managers, Commercial Service Coordinators and the MF Warranty Manager

The Startup Manager owns internal triage, prioritization, technician assignment, start-ups, commissioning support, and completion of work. They lead a team of startup and service technicians.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Family Startup and Service Operations

· Own the internal execution of all multi-family service and startup work from intake through completion.

· Receive and triage service requests from the Warranty Manager and assign technicians to support the Warranty Manager to ensure response within required 24-hour timeframes.

· Ensure multi-family warranty and service takes priority over all other non-critical service work.

· Ensure all service and startup calls are worked to completion, properly documented, and internally closed with clear feedback provided to stakeholders.

· Serve as the internal escalation point for complex, repeated, or high-risk issues.

Project Tracking, Start-Up Oversight

· Create and maintain a comprehensive tracking system of multi-family projects from installation and start up through warranty completion.

· Use tracking data to forecast start-up workload, service demand, and staffing needs.

· Identify specialty systems requiring start-up or commissioning support, including but not limited to VRV/VRF systems, CO/NO₂ systems, stairwell pressurization, and other life-safety or specialty systems.

· Identify projects requiring commissioning assistance and coordinate appropriate resources.

Start-Up Documentation & Quality Control

· Establish and enforce consistent start-up documentation standards across all multi-family projects.

· Ensure each piece of equipment started has an appropriate and complete start-up log submitted.

· Review submitted start-up logs to verify accuracy, completeness, and proper system operation.

· Reject incomplete or non-compliant documentation and ensure corrective actions are taken.

· Ensure all start-ups are held to the same quality and documentation standards regardless of whether work is performed by internal technicians or subcontractors.

Technician Leadership & Resource Management

· Identify the skill set, certifications, and home area of each multi-family technician.

· Maintain a skills matrix and align technician assignments based on job requirements and system complexity.

· Identify training needs for multi-family technicians and coordinate development to support current and future workload.

· Coordinate staffing with Commercial Service leadership to address manpower shortages, balance utilization, and prevent over- or under-utilization of technicians.

· Reallocate technicians, authorize overtime, or utilize subcontractors as needed to meet startup obligations.

· All multi-family start up technicians report directly to the Startup manager who is the functional and administrative manager for the startup team.

· Ensure safety process and procedures are followed, safety reporting and safety training meet company standards.

Subcontractor & Cross-Functional Coordination

· Coordinate with the Sub-Contracting team on the use of subcontractors for start-up, commissioning, or specialty work.

· Ensure subcontracted work meets company standards, documentation requirements, and warranty expectations.

· Work closely with construction, installation, and start-up teams to support smooth transitions into warranty.

Performance, Analysis & Continuous Improvement

· Own accountability for meeting multi-family startup response and completion standards.

· Track recurring startup issues and identify root-cause trends.

· Provide actionable feedback to construction, installation, and start-up teams to reduce repeat startup issues future warranty exposure.

· Monitor labor and resource usage related to multi-family service and warranty work and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

· Report service performance, trends, and resource needs to the Director of Commercial Services.

Reporting & Role Interfaces

· Reports to: Director of Commercial Services

· Works closely with:

o Warranty Service Manager (customer communication and intake)

o Commercial Service leadership (resource coordination)

o Construction and Installation teams (startup logistics, warranty reduction and quality improvement)

o Sub-Contracting team (start-up and specialty system support)

Required Experience

· 3-5 Years experience managing a technical team

· 1-3 Years scheduling and dispatching

· Experienced with excel word and standard office software

Preferred experience

· Experience in multifamily startup (OJT will be provided if no experience)

· Advanced Excel user

· Proficient in Large Language Models (AI tools)

Education (required)

· High school diploma or GED required

Education (preferred)

· Associate in Construction Management, Business or Administration preferred.

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000