Commercial HVAC Department Manager

Benedict Refrigeration Service•Altoona, WI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The HVAC Department Manager supports and leads commercial HVAC field operations at a family-owned commercial mechanical contractor. The role provides hands-on technical leadership to field technicians, oversees daily field operations and technician performance, and works with dispatch, customers, sales, office support, managers, and company leadership to meet department objectives and ensure customer satisfaction. The position has direct reports and works mostly independently with regular team collaboration. It reports to the President/Owner. The manager serves as the primary technical resource for complex commercial HVAC systems, supports installation, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs, and helps crews deliver quality workmanship. The role also involves scheduling and workforce planning, job-site visits, reviewing service documentation and work orders, developing training, mentoring technicians, hiring as needed, promoting safety and accountability, and supporting department growth. Work is on-site in the office and at jobsites, with travel between business locations and jobsites up to 100% of the time. The schedule may be non-standard and include on-call nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

10 or more years of direct commercial HVAC industry experience.
Advanced knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, controls, and troubleshooting.
Strong installation, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills.
Previous experience leading, mentoring, or supervising technicians.
Ability to communicate effectively with technicians, customers, and management.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and customer satisfaction.
Valid class D driver’s license and commercial insurability.
Superior verbal and written communication, managerial, and diplomacy skills.
Ability to read, interpret, use, and train others on manuals, schematics, and control circuits related to HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Ability to project a professional company image and manage multiple tasks and assignments in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
Ability to resolve conflicts for internal and external customers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software and ability to learn new software applications independently.
Ability to travel between business locations and jobsites up to 100% of the time.
Ability to work a non-standard schedule, including on-call nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; present information in one-on-one and small-group situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions and handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing HVAC teams or departments.
Familiarity with building automation and control systems.
EPA certification and applicable trade licenses.
Experience with service management software and mobile field service platforms.
Technical certifications from industry manufacturers or organizations.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and support to HVAC field technicians.
Assist technicians with advanced installation, troubleshooting, diagnostic, and repair strategies.
Serve as the primary technical resource for complex commercial HVAC systems.
Oversee daily field operations and technician performance.
Support scheduling, workforce planning, and workload management.
Visit jobsites to assist crews and ensure quality workmanship.
Review service documentation, repair recommendations, and completed work orders.
Develop and implement technical training programs for field personnel.
Mentor technicians and support their career development.
Recruit, interview, hire, and train technicians as needed to meet workload demands and company or customer expectations.
Ensure compliance with company safety standards and industry best practices.
Promote accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Work with customers to address technical concerns and provide solutions.
Support department growth through operational excellence and customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned by authorized personnel.