Senior HVAC Project Manager

Description

The Senior HVAC Project Manager is a senior technical and leadership role for a highly experienced commercial HVAC construction professional who combines deep, hands-on HVAC project delivery with responsibility for developing the next generation of Project Managers. This individual personally manages the organization's larger, more complex, or higher-risk commercial HVAC projects from turnover through closeout, while also serving as a go-to technical resource and mentor for Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, and field teams across the construction arm.

This role is focused on technical leadership and project delivery rather than executive management or business development. This role requires the incumbent to lead by example, strengthen the project management team through mentorship, and help standardize project delivery practices across the organization, all while continuing to personally manage significant project work.

Requirements

• Manage multiple complex, high-value, or high-risk commercial HVAC construction projects from project turnover through final closeout
• Review project estimates, contracts, drawings, specifications, and schedules to develop a complete understanding of project scope, requirements, and objectives
• Lead project kickoff meetings and maintain overall responsibility for planning, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, procurement, and financial performance on owned projects
• Monitor project costs, labor productivity, manpower projections, schedules, and profitability while proactively identifying and resolving risks that may impact project success
• Manage RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, purchase orders, subcontractor coordination, commissioning activities, inspections, and closeout documentation
• Identify work outside the original contract scope and prepare complete, accurate, and timely change order documentation
• Partner with Project Superintendents, Foremen, and field teams to provide the leadership, information, materials, and support necessary for successful project execution
• Coordinate with Operations, Purchasing, Accounting, Estimating, and Fabrication to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget
• Serve as a primary mentor and technical resource for Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and Project Coordinators, helping build their HVAC technical knowledge and project management judgment over time
• Provide hands-on coaching to less experienced PMs on live projects — reviewing budgets, schedules, change order strategy, and subcontractor coordination alongside them rather than just after the fact
• Help onboard new project management hires and support their ramp-up on commercial HVAC systems, company processes, and standard project documentation
• Share lessons learned and best practices across the project management team to help standardize project delivery and reduce repeat mistakes
• Act as a point of escalation and sounding board for less experienced PMs navigating difficult field issues, client conflicts, or subcontractor problems
• Serve as a subject-matter resource on commercial HVAC systems, piping, sheet metal, controls, and mechanical construction practices — supporting other project teams as needed, even on projects they don't own
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, subcontractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders on assigned projects, serving as the primary point of contact
• Conduct project meetings, communicate project status, and ensure all project documentation is accurate, organized, and current
• Promote and reinforce the company's commitment to safety, quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, NH State Building Code, NFPA standards, applicable local codes, contract requirements, and project specifications

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience
• Minimum of 10 years of commercial HVAC or mechanical construction project management experience, with a demonstrated track record of longevity and steady growth in the trade
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple large, complex commercial HVAC construction projects simultaneously
• Prior experience mentoring, training, or informally guiding less experienced Project Managers or Project Engineers strongly preferred
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification preferred
• EPA Section 608 Certification (or working knowledge of refrigerant handling compliance) preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification a plus
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, sheet metal, controls, and mechanical construction practices — this is a must-have, not a preference
• Strong understanding of project scheduling, budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and financial management
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Natural teaching instinct — patient, clear, and generous with knowledge; genuinely invested in developing the people around them and fostering collaboration across departments.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction/project management software; experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms preferred
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visit active commercial construction sites, including exposure to noise, dust, temperature extremes, and construction equipment
• Regular travel between job sites within the region required
• Ability to climb ladders, navigate uneven terrain, and wear required PPE during site visits
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods throughout the workday