Senior Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

M.S. Johnston Company is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead commercial HVAC and mechanical construction projects from turnover through closeout.

This role is responsible for driving project success by managing schedules, procurement, subcontractors, budgets, customer relationships, project documentation, and field coordination. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, anticipates problems before they occur, and takes ownership of project outcomes.

We are looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong business acumen, leadership ability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Who Thrives Here

This position is ideal for a construction professional who enjoys solving complex problems, building relationships, leading teams, improving processes, and taking ownership of project results.

Successful candidates are comfortable reviewing job costs in the morning, walking a jobsite in the afternoon, and meeting with customers before the day is over.

What You'll Do

Project Leadership

• Manage commercial HVAC and mechanical construction projects from award through closeout
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects at various stages of completion while maintaining schedule, budget, quality, and customer satisfaction objectives
• Develop and maintain project schedules and execution plans
• Lead project turnover meetings and establish project strategies
• Coordinate internal resources, subcontractors, suppliers, and field personnel
• Develop strong working relationships with field leadership, support staff, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers while fostering a collaborative, accountable project environment
• Identify project risks and implement recovery plans when necessary
• Anticipate challenges before they impact project performance and proactively develop solutions to maintain schedule, budget, and customer satisfaction

Financial Management

• Develop and manage project budgets
• Monitor labor productivity and job costs
• Manage cash flow and billing schedules
• Prepare, price, negotiate, and execute change orders
• Responsible for achieving project financial objectives through effective labor management, procurement planning, change order execution, and risk mitigation
• Protect project profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction

Procurement & Materials Management

• Lead equipment and material procurement efforts
• Manage long lead equipment tracking and delivery schedules
• Coordinate submittals, approvals, and equipment releases
• Monitor supplier performance and delivery commitments
• Develop contingency plans to minimize procurement-related delays

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, and vendors
• Lead project meetings and progress reviews
• Maintain professional communications and thorough project documentation
• Resolve project challenges quickly and effectively while preserving strong customer relationships

Contract Administration

• Review contracts, scopes of work, and project requirements
• Manage RFIs, submittals, closeout documents, and project records
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and company standards
• Document impacts related to scope changes, field conditions, and schedule delays

Field Coordination

• Partner closely with Superintendents, Foremen, Service Managers, and Installation Teams
• Conduct regular jobsite visits and project evaluations
• Identify constructability issues and coordinate resolutions
• Support startup, commissioning, turnover, and closeout activities

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of project management experience in commercial HVAC, mechanical contracting, or related construction industries
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems and mechanical construction practices
• Experience managing projects ranging from $250,000 to $5M
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, procurement, manpower planning, and change orders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (emphasis on building industry)
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management
• Commercial HVAC project management experience
• Design-build experience
• Experience utilizing project management software platforms, construction management systems, and project controls tools to improve visibility, accountability, and reporting
• Experience evaluating, implementing, or improving project management processes and operational workflows
• Microsoft Project or equivalent scheduling software
• Experience with healthcare, government, education, industrial, and large commercial projects
• Military construction, facilities, engineering, logistics, or public works leadership experience

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

We strongly encourage military veterans to apply, especially those with backgrounds in:

• U.S. Navy Seabees
• U.S. Air Force RED HORSE
• U.S. Army Engineer specialties
• Marine Corps Engineer and Utilities occupations
• Military construction, public works, facilities, logistics, and infrastructure leadership roles

Equivalent combinations of education, military service, and industry experience will be considered.

What Makes Someone Successful Here?

The best candidates will demonstrate:

• Extreme ownership and accountability
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to solve problems independently
• Financial awareness and business acumen
• Confidence leading meetings and difficult conversations
• Ability to balance customer satisfaction with company profitability
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of commercial HVAC systems
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on operational excellence
• A servant leadership mindset that supports both customers and field personnel
• Comfort leveraging technology to improve project visibility, communication, and team accountability
• Strong understanding of project dashboards, reporting, and workflow management tools
• A desire to improve processes, reduce administrative burden, and increase organizational efficiency
• The successful candidate will help M.S. Johnston continue improving project management processes, reporting systems, and operational workflows as we scale our business

Why Join M.S. Johnston?

For more than a century, M.S. Johnston Company has earned a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, accountability, and customer service. We are a growing commercial mechanical contractor serving customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and are looking for leaders who want to make an impact and grow with us.

You will have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, influence operational improvements, work alongside experienced professionals, and help shape the future of our organization.

This is more than a project management position. It is an opportunity to become a key contributor to the continued growth and evolution of a company with a long history and a strong future.

Employment Requirements

Employment with M.S. Johnston Company is contingent upon meeting pre-employment requirements and successfully completing the introductory employment period.

The selected candidate must:

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening
• Successfully complete a 90-day introductory/probationary period
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Access to a company vehicle
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Simple IRA with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization

Ready to Build Something Bigger?

If you're a results-driven project leader who enjoys solving challenges, leading teams, improving processes, and delivering exceptional project outcomes, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help build the next chapter of M.S. Johnston Company.

M.S. Johnston Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran-Friendly Employer.

 

\nCompany Description

M.S. Johnston is a 94 year-old commercial mechanical contractor that believes in hiring great employees and then stepping out of their way and letting them do their jobs. We focus on operational efficiency that satisfies customers and leads to profitable growth. Most of our employees have been with us for 20+ years.

Company Description

M.S. Johnston is a 94 year-old commercial mechanical contractor that believes in hiring great employees and then stepping out of their way and letting them do their jobs. We focus on operational efficiency that satisfies customers and leads to profitable growth. Most of our employees have been with us for 20+ years.