PROJECT MANAGER

Mechanical Contracting | Refrigeration • HVAC • Plumbing

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful planning, coordination, execution, and financial performance of commercial mechanical projects throughout the Midwest. Projects may include commercial refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, equipment replacement, remodels, new construction, and other mechanical systems.

This position serves as the primary link between the customer, estimating, field operations, vendors, subcontractors, and internal leadership. The Project Manager is accountable for delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the quality standards expected by the company and customer.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Manage projects from turnover through final completion and closeout.
• Review project scope, drawings, specifications, estimates, contracts, and schedules to ensure a clear understanding of project requirements.
• Develop project schedules and coordinate manpower, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other resources.
• Coordinate work between refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, general contractors, customers, and other trades.
• Conduct project kickoff meetings and establish clear expectations with the field team.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify schedule, scope, labor, material, or coordination issues.
• Travel throughout the Midwest as required to support projects and customers.
• Visit project sites regularly to review progress, address issues, and maintain strong customer relationships.

Financial Management

• Take ownership of project financial performance from start to finish.
• Monitor labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs against budget.
• Review job cost reports and identify variances early.
• Maintain project margins through effective planning, purchasing, labor management, and scope control.
• Identify opportunities to improve project profitability without compromising safety, quality, or customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with accounting and leadership to ensure accurate billing and financial reporting.
• Review and approve project-related costs, invoices, and commitments within established company guidelines.

Change Orders & Scope Management

• Identify changes in scope, additional work, and potential project risks.
• Work with the customer and internal team to develop and price change orders.
• Ensure change orders are documented and approved before proceeding whenever practical.
• Track pending, approved, and rejected change orders.
• Prevent scope creep and ensure the company is appropriately compensated for additional work.
• Communicate contractual requirements and project expectations to the field team.

Customer & General Contractor Relationships

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers, general contractors, owners, and other project stakeholders.
• Develop professional relationships that lead to repeat business and long-term customer partnerships.
• Communicate project status, schedule changes, challenges, and solutions clearly and proactively.
• Address customer concerns quickly and professionally.
• Participate in customer meetings, project meetings, and progress reviews as required.
• Represent the company professionally in all customer and project interactions.

Field Coordination & Leadership

• Partner closely with Service Managers, Field Supervisors, Foremen, Technicians, and other field personnel.
• Ensure field teams have the information, materials, equipment, and resources needed to execute the project.
• Provide clear direction while allowing field leadership to manage day-to-day installation activities.
• Support manpower planning and coordinate additional resources when needed.
• Help resolve field issues and remove obstacles that prevent crews from being productive.
• Promote accountability for safety, productivity, quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
• Recognize and develop strong field leaders and project team members.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Coordinate procurement of equipment, materials, and specialty items.
• Review equipment and material requirements against project specifications and estimates.
• Obtain competitive pricing and manage purchasing within project budgets.
• Coordinate equipment lead times and delivery schedules with project requirements.
• Work with vendors and suppliers to resolve availability, quality, warranty, and delivery issues.
• Coordinate subcontractors and ensure their work aligns with project requirements and schedules.

Documentation & Project Controls

• Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review drawings, specifications, submittals, RFIs, schedules, and other project documents.
• Coordinate RFIs and submittals with appropriate internal and external parties.
• Maintain project correspondence and records.
• Ensure accurate daily reports, time tracking, material usage, and project documentation.
• Manage punch lists, warranty items, and project closeout documentation.
• Ensure projects are properly closed financially and operationally.

Safety & Quality

• Promote a strong safety culture on every project.
• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with company safety policies, applicable codes, and customer requirements.
• Address unsafe conditions or practices immediately.
• Ensure installations meet project specifications, applicable codes, and company quality expectations.
• Participate in project inspections and quality reviews as required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience in commercial construction or mechanical contracting.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, refrigeration, and/or plumbing systems.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and project documents.
• Understanding of construction schedules, job costing, change orders, and project financials.
• Strong communication and customer relationship skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Midwest.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management/job-costing software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing commercial refrigeration projects.
• Experience with grocery, food service, industrial, or other multi-location customers.
• Experience managing projects across multiple states.
• Estimating or bidding experience.
• Experience managing projects ranging from smaller service projects to larger capital projects.
• Mechanical trade background or formal technical education.
• Experience with ERP, project management, or construction management software.