HVAC Project Manager

Opportunity Profile

Location: West Hartford, Connecticut

Position Title: Project Manager (Mechanical/HVAC)

The Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity for a technically strong Mechanical/HVAC Project Manager to join a growing organization where leadership, technical expertise, and business impact intersect. Unlike many project management positions that focus solely on execution, this role offers the chance to become a key driver of operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and business growth within an established organization that empowers its leaders.

The successful candidate will oversee mechanical and HVAC construction projects from turnover through closeout while maintaining accountability for safety, schedule, quality, profitability, and customer relationships. Beyond project execution, this individual will play a critical role in mentoring project teams, influencing operational improvements, and driving accountability across the organization.

This position is ideal for someone who has built a strong technical foundation through hands-on field experience, project delivery, and financial management responsibilities. The organization values leaders who can bridge the gap between field operations and business management, bringing practical expertise to project decisions while maintaining a strong focus on financial performance and customer outcomes.

Candidates who are motivated by ownership, leadership development, and long-term career growth will find an environment where their contributions are recognized and where they have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future success of the business.

The Company:

The company is an established mechanical services organization with a history dating back to 1972. Over the years, it has grown into a diversified operation generating more than $60 million in annual revenue with approximately 150 employees across multiple divisions.

The organization has built its reputation on technical expertise, customer service, and a commitment to continuous growth. It fosters a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture where leaders are trusted to make decisions, take ownership, and drive results. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and help shape the future direction of the business.

What sets this organization apart is its commitment to investing in its people. The company believes in developing talent from within, providing coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities for employees who demonstrate initiative and leadership potential. Rather than forcing leaders to follow a predetermined playbook, the organization values individuals who can contribute their own ideas, create solutions, and help elevate the business to new levels of success.

The company’s culture is built around accountability, teamwork, professional development, and a shared commitment to achieving ambitious goals. Employees enjoy working in an environment where trust, respect, and collaboration are central to how the business operates.

The Boss:

This position reports directly to the President of the organization, a respected industry leader who has spent nearly two decades with the company and advanced through multiple leadership roles during that time. His career progression has included responsibilities in automation, engineering, energy services, sales, and executive leadership, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on both the technical and business sides of the organization.

He is known for providing vision rather than micromanagement. He believes successful leaders perform best when they are aligned with the company’s goals, empowered to make decisions, and trusted to execute. His leadership approach centers on establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and giving capable people the autonomy to lead.

One of his greatest strengths is his commitment to developing talent. He recognizes that strong leaders are not always fully developed when they join an organization and has consistently invested in coaching individuals who demonstrate technical capability, business acumen, and a willingness to grow. He values professionals who take ownership of their responsibilities, think critically, and bring innovative ideas to the table.

For someone looking to work alongside an experienced executive who understands both the technical and operational aspects of the industry, this role offers a tremendous opportunity for professional development and mentorship.

The Position:

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing mechanical and HVAC construction projects from turnover through project closeout while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations and company standards.

This role requires a strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems, project financial management, construction operations, customer communication, and project team leadership. The Project Manager will serve as the central point of coordination between customers, subcontractors, vendors, field personnel, and internal stakeholders while maintaining complete ownership of project performance.

The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, financial accountability, leadership capability, and strong communication skills with a hands-on approach to problem solving and project execution.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Manage all phases of mechanical and HVAC projects from turnover through project closeout.
• Review project drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work.
• Lead project kickoff meetings and coordinate activities between operations, engineering, purchasing, field personnel, and subcontractors.
• Oversee field operations, subcontractor performance, inspections, equipment procurement, and material deliveries.
• Maintain project schedules and proactively address project risks and delays.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Manage project budgeting, forecasting, profitability, earned cost at completion (ECAC), and cash flow performance.
• Prepare and submit RFIs, submittals, change orders, and AIA billing documentation.
• Monitor job costs and maintain accurate project reporting.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships throughout project execution.
• Mentor Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and Foremen.
• Support estimating reviews and provide technical project guidance.
• Drive collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4-5 years of mechanical or HVAC project management experience.
• Experience managing commercial mechanical construction projects.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical drawings, specifications, and plan/spec projects.
• Design-build project experience.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with job costing systems and project management software.
• Working knowledge of chilled water systems, hydronic systems, refrigerant flow systems, air handling equipment, HVAC controls, and related mechanical systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Education and Experience:

• Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical education preferred.
• Experience leading large commercial mechanical construction projects.
• Combination of field operations and project management experience preferred.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience strongly desired.
• Technical expertise reviewing estimates, drawings, and project execution strategies.
• Industry certifications related to project management or mechanical construction are advantageous.

Work Environment:

This position operates in both office and construction site environments. The role requires collaboration with project teams, customers, subcontractors, and vendors. Regular visits to active job sites are expected to support project execution, quality, safety compliance, and customer communication. The environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of organization and responsiveness.

Compensation:

The company offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain high-performing professionals. In addition to a strong base compensation structure, the organization provides performance-based incentive opportunities, comprehensive benefits, retirement programs, professional development support, and significant career advancement potential within a growing organization. Employees also benefit from a culture that values leadership development, autonomy, and long-term success.