Commercial HVAC Project Manager

Key Responsibilities

• 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%.
• Cook up 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.
• Cook up 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

• 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

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