Project Manager - Commercial HVAC

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to manage commercial HVAC and mechanical construction projects from turnover through completion. This individual will be responsible for the overall financial performance, scheduling, coordination, execution, and successful delivery of assigned projects.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial HVAC construction and understands the relationship between project management, field operations, labor productivity, material procurement, and profitability. This role requires a hands-on leader who can coordinate with general contractors, engineers, vendors, field supervisors, and internal teams to deliver quality projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.

The Mechanical Project Manager will take ownership of assigned projects, proactively identify issues, manage changes in scope, and ensure the company meets its contractual and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management and Execution

• Manage commercial HVAC and mechanical construction projects from project turnover through installation, startup, commissioning, and final closeout.
• Review contract documents, mechanical drawings, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, and project budgets at the beginning of each project.
• Develop project execution plans, procurement schedules, equipment delivery timelines, and milestone schedules.
• Coordinate with general contractors, owners, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal field personnel.
• Lead project meetings and maintain clear communication regarding progress, schedule, costs, outstanding issues, and required decisions.
• Monitor project progress and proactively address delays, coordination conflicts, material shortages, and other potential obstacles.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with contract requirements, approved submittals, applicable codes, and company quality standards.

Financial Management and Profitability

• Take ownership of the financial performance and profitability of assigned projects.
• Establish project budgets and monitor actual costs against estimated labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Prepare regular cost-to-complete projections, labor forecasts, and job profitability reports.
• Review labor productivity and coordinate with field leadership to address budget variances and improve performance.
• Identify, document, price, and track change orders to ensure additional work is properly authorized and compensated.
• Review subcontractor invoices, vendor invoices, progress billings, and project cost reports for accuracy.
• Prepare monthly billings and maintain accurate documentation to support timely payment.
• Identify potential cost overruns early and develop corrective action plans.
• Maintain accurate records of committed costs, pending changes, approved changes, and projected final costs.

HVAC and Mechanical Coordination

• Review HVAC drawings and specifications for constructability, scope gaps, conflicts, and coordination issues.
• Coordinate mechanical systems with electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural, and architectural trades.
• Manage equipment and material submittals, shop drawings, RFIs, and approval tracking.
• Coordinate procurement of rooftop units, air-handling units, exhaust fans, pumps, piping, ductwork, controls, and other HVAC-related equipment and materials.
• Track long-lead equipment and ensure deliveries align with construction schedules and site readiness.
• Coordinate ductwork fabrication, piping installation, equipment setting, controls integration, and startup requirements.
• Work with field supervisors to resolve installation challenges and minimize rework.
• Coordinate testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB), equipment startup, controls integration, commissioning, and inspections.
• Ensure required operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, as-built drawings, and closeout documents are completed.

Field Leadership and Scheduling

• Work closely with project superintendents, foremen, and field crews to maintain schedule and labor efficiency.
• Monitor manpower requirements, installation progress, and upcoming work activities.
• Participate in jobsite meetings, schedule reviews, coordination meetings, and progress walks.
• Ensure field teams have the information, approved submittals, materials, and equipment necessary to perform their work.
• Support safe work practices and compliance with company policies, jobsite safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate inspections, equipment deliveries, crane picks, shutdowns, and other critical construction activities as required.
• Hold project team members and subcontractors accountable for commitments, deadlines, and quality expectations.

Client and General Contractor Relationships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with general contractors, owners, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Communicate project status, risks, schedule impacts, and cost implications in a timely and professional manner.
• Negotiate change orders, resolve scope disputes, and support timely resolution of project issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery, customer satisfaction, and future business opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial HVAC or mechanical construction, with project management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems, ductwork, piping, equipment installation, and mechanical construction methods.
• Experience managing project budgets, labor costs, material procurement, schedules, change orders, and subcontractors.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, construction schedules, and contract documents.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining financial and schedule accountability.
• Knowledge of HVAC equipment startup, controls coordination, TAB, commissioning, and closeout requirements.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and construction project management software.
• Ability to work effectively with field teams, general contractors, engineers, and company leadership.
• Valid driver's license and ability to visit active construction sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working for a commercial HVAC or mechanical subcontractor.
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or comparable platforms.
• Familiarity with project scheduling software and cost management systems.
• Experience with negotiated work, design-assist projects, design-build delivery, and plan-and-spec construction.
• Established understanding of labor productivity tracking, earned progress, cost forecasting, and project financial reporting.

Performance Expectations

The Mechanical Project Manager will be expected to:

• Deliver projects within established budgets and contractual schedules.
• Maintain accurate and timely project cost forecasts.
• Identify and recover legitimate change-order costs.
• Manage equipment procurement and material deliveries to minimize schedule delays.
• Maintain effective coordination between project management and field operations.
• Minimize rework, unapproved work, and avoidable cost overruns.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and timely billing.
• Deliver high-quality work while maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Proactively communicate project risks and implement corrective actions.

Compensation and Benefits

[Company Name] offers a competitive compensation package based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated performance.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to project results and company performance.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance, where applicable.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Employment Type: Full Time
Bonus/Commission: No