Corporate HVAC Design Manager

First Supply LLC•Oak Creek, WI

About The Position

First Supply is seeking an experienced Corporate HVAC Design Manager to lead and develop its HVAC design organization across all locations. The role establishes company-wide design standards and best practices, ensures design quality and code compliance, and aligns design capabilities with business growth. It combines technical leadership on complex HVAC applications with team development, operational improvement, and strategic collaboration. The manager oversees HVAC system design activities and technical quality reviews, serves as the primary technical resource for complex design and product-selection questions, and supports customer projects and consultations. The role also recruits and develops designers, builds training and career frameworks, improves design tools and workflows, and partners with sales and executive leadership on strategy, resourcing, budgets, and performance measures. Travel across First Supply’s footprint is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Design, or related work experience.
At least 7 years of HVAC design experience, preferably across residential and commercial sectors.
At least 2 years in a leadership, management, or supervisory capacity.
Active State of Wisconsin HVAC Design Stamp.
Mastery of AutoCAD, HVAC design software such as Wrightsoft or Revit MEP (or similar), and energy modeling tools.
In-depth understanding of HVAC principles, equipment selection, ventilation standards, and applicable building codes.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects while meeting quality, cost, and timeline goals.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead and mentor teams, influence strategy, and foster cross-departmental collaboration.
Willingness to travel across First Supply’s footprint to support locations, teams, and growth initiatives.
Strong business acumen and ability to translate design capability into sales growth and strategic outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience managing or developing a team of designers or engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee HVAC system design activities across First Supply locations, ensuring designs meet company standards, customer requirements, and applicable codes.
Establish and maintain technical review and quality assurance processes for HVAC calculations, equipment selection, ductwork layouts, piping systems, and system designs.
Serve as the primary technical resource for complex HVAC applications, code interpretation, product selection, and design challenges.
Evaluate emerging HVAC technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to support innovation and continuous improvement.
Support complex customer projects, presentations, and design consultations as needed.
Recruit, hire, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team of HVAC designers and design technicians.
Conduct performance reviews, design audits, mentoring sessions, and coaching conversations.
Develop career progression frameworks, technical training programs, and succession plans.
Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus throughout the design organization.
Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide HVAC design standards, CAD standards, templates, and best practices.
Lead improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, consistency, quality, and scalability across locations.
Evaluate and implement design technologies, software enhancements, and workflow improvements to improve productivity and customer responsiveness.
Maintain accurate project documentation and support compliance-related reporting.
Partner with sales leadership and executive management to develop and execute the company's HVAC design strategy.
Align design resources and capabilities with business growth objectives, market expansion, and customer demand.
Collaborate with sales teams on quoting strategies, project planning, customer presentations, and technical sales initiatives.
Manage departmental staffing plans, resource allocation, and budgets.
Establish and monitor performance indicators for quality, productivity, responsiveness, team development, and operational effectiveness.