Commercial HVAC Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Mid-Ohio Air Conditioning it is our mission to provide customers with professional, value based, relational services tailored to each specific need. We provide preventive maintenance, equipment replacement, tenant build out, service, and design-build services.

POSITION SUMMARY

Mid-Ohio Air Conditioning, LLC (MOAC) is seeking an experienced and highly capable Commercial HVAC Project Manager with specialized expertise in hydronic heating and cooling systems to lead complex construction and renovation projects across Central Ohio. This position is responsible for the full lifecycle management of mechanical construction projects ranging from $25,000 to $1.5 million — from pre-construction planning through final commissioning and closeout.

The ideal candidate is a technically proficient leader who holds themselves and their teams to the highest standards of quality, safety, compliance, and client service. This role demands proactive communication, disciplined schedule and budget management, and the ability to drive accountability across all project stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Execution & Delivery

• Manage the full scope of assigned HVAC construction and renovation projects from award through final closeout, including design-build, design-assist, and plan-and-spec delivery methods.

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using industry-standard tools (MS Project, Procore, or equivalent); proactively identify and resolve scheduling conflicts before they impact the project.

• Establish and manage project budgets; conduct monthly cost forecasting, track committed costs, and provide written variance analysis for any budget deviation exceeding 5%.

• Coordinate material procurement, equipment delivery, and subcontractor scope to ensure field crews have what they need — when they need it — without gaps or delay.

• Conduct structured pre-construction meetings with field foremen, reviewing scope, schedule, safety plan, permit requirements, and quality expectations before mobilization.

• Perform regular site visits at key project milestones; document site conditions, work-in-place quality, and any deviation from contract documents.

Hydronics & Mechanical Systems Expertise

• Provide technical leadership on hydronic heating and cooling systems, including chilled water, hot water, steam, and condenser water distribution for commercial and institutional facilities.

• Review and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment submittals, and hydronic system schematics; identify constructability issues and RFI-worthy discrepancies prior to rough-in.

• Coordinate with engineers and design teams on pipe sizing, pump selection, expansion tank placement, balancing valve locations, and air separator design.

• Oversee system startup, pressure testing, hydronic balancing, and commissioning activities; ensure proper documentation and owner training prior to acceptance.

• Stay current on hydronic system advancements, VFD applications, glycol maintenance, water treatment, and energy-efficient design practices.

Safety, Compliance & Policy Management

• Serve as the primary safety accountability leader on all assigned projects; enforce MOAC's safety program, OSHA standards, and site-specific safety plans without exception.

• Conduct or facilitate documented job hazard analyses (JHAs) and toolbox talks for all active projects; ensure field crews and subcontractors participate and sign off.

• Maintain OSHA 30-Hour certification and ensure all field foremen on assigned projects hold OSHA 10 at minimum.

• Immediately report and document any safety incident, near-miss, or OSHA-recordable event to management; lead or support root-cause investigation and corrective action.

• Ensure all required permits are obtained prior to commencing any permitted scope; track inspections, schedule with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — including local building departments, county permitting offices, the Ohio Board of Building Standards, and local fire marshals as applicable — and maintain the permit log in the project management system.

• Enforce EPA 608, crane safety, confined space, fall protection, and lockout/tagout compliance on every jobsite; conduct unannounced compliance spot checks.

• Monitor and enforce adherence to MOAC's internal policies, procurement procedures, change order processes, and subcontractor management protocols.

• Ensure all company vehicles, tools, and equipment used on assigned projects comply with MOAC fleet policy and are documented in the equipment tracking system.

Client Relations & Communication

• Serve as the primary MOAC point of contact for clients on assigned projects; maintain consistent, professional communication and set clear expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepare and deliver written weekly project status reports to internal leadership and, when required, to the client — covering schedule, budget, open RFIs, submittals, and risk items.

• Manage and negotiate change orders with clients; ensure all out-of-scope work is documented, priced, and approved before proceeding.

• Escalate significant project risks, client relationship issues, or budget threats to leadership promptly through proper chain of command.

Team Leadership & Field Coordination

• Direct and mentor field foremen and apprentices; provide clear daily and weekly work direction, set performance expectations, and provide constructive feedback.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement — actively identify opportunities to improve field productivity, reduce waste, and improve installation quality.

• Collaborate with estimating during pre-construction on takeoffs, scope review, and value engineering; flag scope gaps and risks before bid submission.

• Coordinate with the service department to ensure smooth project-to-service handoff, including as-built documentation, equipment registration, and warranty transfer.

Documentation & Project Closeout

• Maintain complete and organized project files in NetSuite and designated project management platforms, including contracts, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and correspondence.

• Ensure all equipment warranties, O&M manuals, as-built drawings, and commissioning reports are compiled and delivered to the owner at project closeout.

• Complete final project cost reconciliation and internal closeout report within 30 days of substantial completion.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of trade education and field experience considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of commercial HVAC project management experience, with at least 3 years focused on hydronic systems in commercial, institutional, or industrial settings.

• Demonstrated track record of managing projects from $100,000 to $1.5 million with full budget and schedule accountability.

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of hydronic system design: piping configurations, pumping systems, variable flow strategies, heat exchangers, and pressure/temperature controls.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction drawings and specifications.

• Proficiency in project management software (Procore, MS Project, or similar) and ERP systems (NetSuite experience a plus).

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to produce professional written reports, schedules, and cost summaries.

Certifications (Required or Expected within 12 Months)

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction — Required

• EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Handling — Required

• State of Ohio Contractor License (or eligibility) — Required

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent — Preferred

• NATE, MSCA, or relevant hydronic/HVAC systems certification — Preferred

COMPENSATION — CENTRAL OHIO MARKET

Compensation is commensurate with experience, certifications, project complexity managed, and demonstrated performance. The ranges below reflect current Central Ohio market conditions for this role.

Experience Level Annual Salary Total Comp (w/ Bonus)

Entry (3–5 yrs) $75,000 – $85,000 $80,000 – $92,000

Mid-Level (5–8 yrs) $85,000 – $100,000 $92,000 – $110,000

Senior (8–12 yrs) $100,000 – $118,000 $110,000 – $130,000

Lead / Sr. PM (12+ yrs) $118,000 – $135,000 $130,000 – $150,000

Performance bonuses are tied to individual project profitability, schedule adherence, safety record, and client satisfaction scores. All offers are contingent on background check and reference verification.

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance — company-subsidized

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance program

• Paid time off (PTO) plus 9 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday

• Employer-sponsored professional development, certifications, and continuing education

• Performance-based bonus program

• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment with executive leadership access

Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

Salary ranges listed are dependent upon a candidate's qualifications, experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the specific role and location.