Job Description
Job Description
About the Job:
The Install Manager is responsible for leading and standardizing all commercial HVAC/R installation operations, with a primary focus on field execution, workforce leadership, safety, productivity, and long-term departmental performance. This role provides oversight, direction, and support to Project Managers, Foremen, and field staff, ensuring installation work is executed safely, efficiently, and profitably, while Project Managers retain responsibility for contract administration, financial tracking, documentation, and client-facing project control.
The Install Manager sets expectations, establishes best practices, and ensures consistent execution across all projects rather than managing individual project details day-to-day.
Key Responsibilities:
- 1. Field Operations Oversight (Non-Project-Specific)
- Establish and enforce installation standards, sequencing methodologies, and best practices across all jobs.
- Provide high-level constructability guidance and field support to Project Managers and Foremen.
- Perform periodic jobsite visits to verify workmanship, safety compliance, and adherence to design intent.
- Support resolution of complex field issues escalated by Project Managers or Foremen.
2. Workforce Leadership & Staffing
- Lead, mentor, and develop installers, foremen, and apprentices across the Install Department.
- Conduct regular labor planning meetings to align manpower availability with workload forecasts.
- Support Project Managers in staffing decisions without directly managing daily project schedules.
- Participate in hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions in coordination with leadership.
- Oversee apprenticeship participation, mentoring, evaluations, and skill progression.
3. Productivity, Cost Awareness & Performance Management
- Monitor department-wide labor productivity, manpower efficiency, and install-related KPIs.
- Review labor trends, recurring issues, and variance drivers with Project Managers.
- Support corrective action plans when jobs fall behind production expectations.
- Provide estimating feedback on labor hours, constructability risks, and installation efficiencies.
4. Safety, Quality & Compliance Leadership
- Enforce OSHA and company safety policies across all installation activities.
- Lead safety culture initiatives, jobsite audits, and incident prevention efforts.
- Establish and maintain quality standards for installation, startup, and commissioning support.
- Ensure best practices for refrigerant handling, brazing, pressure testing, evacuation, and startup are followed consistently.
5. Training & Workforce Development
- Collaborate with the Maintenance & Training Manager on department-wide training needs, priorities, and scheduling.
- Provide input on installation-specific skill gaps, safety concerns, and leadership development needs based on field performance.
- Support implementation of training programs by reinforcing standards, expectations, and best practices in the field.
- Assist with identifying foremen and installers ready for advancement and provide performance-based feedback to the Training Manager.
- Ensure foremen and field leaders support and uphold training initiatives through proper planning, communication, and execution on jobsites.
6. Department Leadership & Process Improvement
Department Leadership & Process Improvement
- Develop, document, and maintain Install Department SOPs and workflows.
- Coordinate tool standards, truck inventory guidelines, and field asset management.
- Partner with Project Management and Estimating to improve handoffs, planning, and execution.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on lessons learned and performance data.
Explicit Exclusions (Owned by Project Manager)
The Install Manager does not directly manage the following, which are the responsibility of the Project Manager:
- Contract review, permits, insurance certificates, and contract administration
- Project-level budgeting, cost tracking, billing, and financial reporting
- RFIs, submittals, change orders, and contract documentation
- Detailed project scheduling and daily job coordination
- Client, GC, and owner-facing project communications
- Project close-out documentation, O&M manuals, and billing closeout
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of commercial HVAC/R installation experience, including leadership or supervisory roles.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, refrigeration systems, and installation best practices.
- Proven experience leading field teams and developing foremen and apprentices.
- Ability to analyze productivity trends and drive corrective action.
- OSHA 30 and EPA 608 certification required.
- Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician or Contractor License preferred (or state equivalent).
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to visit and walk active construction job sites regularly
- Occasional lifting, bending, kneeling, climbing, and navigating ladders or scaffolding
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone and email
- Must be able to travel to project sites as needed
Why Join Us?:
- Join a tight-knit, professional team that values collaboration, safety, and craftsmanship
- Lead challenging, high-impact projects in the commercial HVAC space
- Enjoy a stable, long-term role with opportunities to grow and advance
- Competitive compensation package and supportive leadership team
- Your input matters—we value independent thinkers who bring ideas to the table