Building Automation General Manager

Opportunity Profile

Location: Central New Jersey

Position Title: Building Automation Systems (BAS) General Manager

The Opportunity:

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Building Automation leader to take ownership of an established controls business and transform it into a significantly larger regional platform. The Building Automation division currently operates with a strong team, an established customer base, approximately $5 million in annual revenue, and a respected market position. What is missing is a dedicated leader capable of accelerating growth, developing strategy, and scaling the business to its full potential.

The BAS General Manager will have the autonomy, authority, and executive visibility to shape the future of the Controls division. This role goes far beyond maintaining an existing operation. The successful candidate will inherit a talented team of engineers, sales professionals, project management personnel, and field technicians and will be empowered to drive expansion throughout New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia region.

The organization has identified Building Automation as a critical growth initiative, and ownership is highly committed to investing in the expansion of the business. The individual selected for this role will be expected to develop strategic growth initiatives, build market presence, increase revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and elevate the division's overall performance.

For an entrepreneurial leader who enjoys building organizations, developing people, creating market opportunities, and seeing the direct impact of their efforts on company performance, few opportunities offer this level of influence. This position provides the chance to leave a lasting mark on both the organization and potentially a broader portfolio of operating companies as Building Automation initiatives continue to expand.

The Company:

Founded more than five decades ago, the company has built a longstanding reputation as a respected mechanical contracting and building automation organization serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, pharmaceutical, life sciences, critical infrastructure, data center, and institutional markets. The company generates annual revenues exceeding $40 million and has developed a diverse and stable customer base throughout the region.

The organization's capabilities span HVAC construction, service, controls, energy initiatives, and complex mechanical systems. The company is particularly active in environments where reliability, operational continuity, and mission-critical performance are essential, including healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical operations, life sciences organizations, and other technically demanding facilities.

The company has developed a strong reputation for technical expertise and execution, supported by experienced engineering, project management, and field service teams. Current projects and past successes include healthcare, educational, pharmaceutical, and complex commercial applications throughout the Northeast.

Supported by private equity ownership and leadership committed to growth, the company is positioned for its next phase of expansion. Leadership recognizes Building Automation as a strategic business unit and is investing resources to strengthen its market position and create long-term value.

The Boss:

The BAS General Manager will report directly to the President of the organization.

The President brings more than three decades of industry experience and has established a vision focused on strategic growth, operational excellence, and market expansion. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering strong professionals while providing the support and resources necessary for success.

As a leader, he is focused on building teams rather than managing through bureaucracy. He recognizes the strength of the organization's existing controls operation and is seeking a leader who can enhance and expand that foundation, not rebuild it. He values collaboration, accountability, business development, and individuals who are willing to take ownership of meaningful results.

The selected candidate will work closely with senior leadership and gain significant exposure to executive leadership and ownership. This visibility creates a unique opportunity for a high-performing individual to influence company-wide initiatives and contribute to long-term strategic objectives.

The Position:

The BAS General Manager will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for the Building Automation division. This individual will oversee all aspects of the controls business, including business development, operations, financial performance, customer relationships, market expansion, team leadership, and strategic planning.

The successful candidate will serve as both a leader and a contributor, balancing executive-level responsibilities with active involvement in sales growth, business development, and customer engagement. This is a highly visible position requiring a strong blend of leadership, technical industry knowledge, financial acumen, and market development capabilities.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Lead the overall operations and strategic direction of the Building Automation division.
• Maintain full profit and loss responsibility for the controls business.
• Develop and execute initiatives designed to accelerate business growth and market share expansion.
• Drive revenue generation through business development and customer relationship management.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities throughout New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia region.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, sales personnel, project management staff, and field technicians.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish long-term growth strategies and organizational objectives.
• Foster collaboration across construction, service, engineering, operations, and sales teams.
• Strengthen relationships with building owners, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, and strategic partners.
• Serve as a visible market representative within the Building Automation industry.
• Support ongoing expansion initiatives and contribute to broader Building Automation strategies across affiliated operating companies.

Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of Building Automation industry experience, with significant leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading a BAS, controls, automation, or smart building organization.
• Proven business development experience and a track record of generating revenue growth.
• Experience managing financial performance, budgets, and business unit profitability.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic and hands-on leadership capacities.
• Strong understanding of project execution, sales strategy, customer development, and operational performance.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Construction Management, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Extensive Building Automation industry experience is required.
• Previous experience with a BAS manufacturer, controls contractor, systems integrator, or similar organization is highly desirable.
• Experience scaling a Building Automation business or significant business unit is preferred.
• Previous experience as a General Manager, Branch Manager, Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Business Unit Leader, or similar leadership role is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Distech Controls products and solutions is advantageous.
• Experience supporting multiple geographic markets is beneficial.

Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership
• Business Development
• Financial Acumen
• Revenue Growth Management
• Team Building and Coaching
• Relationship Management
• Executive Presence
• Market Development
• Operational Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Change Leadership
• Communication Skills
• Accountability
• Results Orientation

Work Environment:

This position is based in Central New Jersey and will involve significant interaction with customers, project teams, and industry stakeholders throughout the region. The role requires a combination of office leadership, customer engagement, and market-facing activities. Candidates should expect regular travel throughout New Jersey, New York City, and the Philadelphia market as they develop relationships and expand business opportunities.

The organization supports flexibility for exceptional candidates, particularly those with strong regional industry relationships, while maintaining a collaborative and highly engaged culture.

Compensation:

The company offers a highly competitive executive-level compensation program designed to reward leadership, growth, and business performance. The package includes a competitive base salary, performance-based incentive opportunities, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings support, paid time off, vehicle-related allowances, and additional resources necessary for success in a market-facing leadership role. The compensation plan is structured to align the BAS General Manager's success with the continued growth and profitability of the business.