Project Manager (Mechanical Group)

Position Summary

The Mechanical Project Manager is a company representative responsible for the overall management and successful execution of mechanical construction projects, including financial performance, schedule adherence, safety, quality control, and employee development. This position oversees projects involving HVAC systems, sheet metal fabrication and installation, ductwork, plumbing systems, mechanical equipment installation, and related building systems.

The Project Manager coordinates with owners, general contractors, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel to ensure mechanical scopes are executed in accordance with contract documents, project specifications, applicable codes, established schedules, and budgetary requirements. This individual is responsible for developing and implementing project execution strategies, managing procurement and subcontractor activities, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring the successful installation, testing, commissioning, and turnover of mechanical systems.

The Project Manager also establishes and manages project-specific processes to meet the unique requirements of the owner, general contractor, and overall project team while maintaining BL Harbert's standards for safety, quality, financial performance, and client satisfaction.
Reporting Structure

Reports to: Senior Project Manager or Project Executive

Supervises: Assistant Project Manager and Jobsite Office Assistant, as applicable
Educational and Experience Requirements
Degree and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university, along with a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant mechanical construction project management experience.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant mechanical trade experience, field leadership, and project management experience may be considered.
• Experience managing mechanical construction scopes involving HVAC systems, sheet metal, ductwork, plumbing, piping, and mechanical equipment installation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement project execution plans based on construction drawings, specifications, and design documents.
• Experience coordinating mechanical construction activities with general contractors, engineers, other building trades, and project owners.

Trade Certifications and Accreditations

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification preferred or required based on project needs.
• Additional safety training and certifications as required by the project, owner, or applicable regulatory standards.

Technical Requirements
Software Proficiency

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Build or similar construction project management and document control software.
• Working knowledge of Viewpoint or similar accounting, job cost, and accounts payable software.
• Working knowledge of Navisworks, Revit, and SketchUp for model review, coordination, and constructability analysis.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, coordination drawings, and BIM models.

Mechanical Construction Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of mechanical construction methods, materials, equipment, and installation practices.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, including air handling units, rooftop units, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, and associated equipment.
• Understanding of sheet metal fabrication and installation, ductwork layout, fittings, hangers, supports, insulation, and air distribution systems.
• Knowledge of plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, and associated piping and equipment.
• Familiarity with hydronic piping, refrigerant piping, mechanical piping systems, valves, fittings, and related components.
• Understanding of mechanical equipment rigging, placement, installation, alignment, connections, and startup coordination.
• Knowledge of applicable mechanical, plumbing, energy, and building codes, as well as project specifications and industry standards.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical trade sequencing, coordination, and installation requirements in relation to structural, electrical, fire protection, and other building systems.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, mechanical schedules, specifications, equipment submittals, and installation details.
• Knowledge of mechanical quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, procurement, and cost estimating to support project planning and cost control.
• Working knowledge of construction layout, field measurements, and verification of existing conditions.
• Understanding of contract language, scope interpretation, change management, and construction risk management.
• Familiarity with mechanical system testing, adjusting, balancing (TAB), startup, commissioning, and closeout documentation.
• Ability to identify constructability issues, design conflicts, scope gaps, material lead-time concerns, and potential schedule impacts before they affect project execution.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
1. Project Management and Execution

• Manage the overall execution of assigned mechanical construction projects from project award through completion and final closeout.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a project execution plan that addresses scope, schedule, budget, procurement, quality, safety, and staffing requirements.
• Establish project objectives and performance expectations in coordination with the Senior Project Manager or Project Executive.
• Coordinate with field supervision to ensure mechanical installation activities align with the project schedule, construction sequence, and contract requirements.
• Oversee the Assistant Project Manager's responsibilities and provide direct support or assume those responsibilities when necessary.
• Establish and maintain project documentation, reporting procedures, communication protocols, and document control systems.
• Monitor project progress and proactively address issues affecting cost, schedule, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, applicable codes, contractual requirements, and company standards.

2. Mechanical Construction Coordination

• Coordinate the installation of HVAC systems, sheet metal, ductwork, plumbing, mechanical piping, and mechanical equipment.
• Work closely with field superintendents, general contractors, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to establish installation priorities and resolve coordination issues.
• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, and installation details to verify scope requirements and identify discrepancies.
• Coordinate mechanical work with structural steel, concrete, electrical, fire protection, ceilings, architectural finishes, and other building systems.
• Participate in coordination meetings and review BIM models or coordination drawings to identify potential clashes and installation conflicts.
• Oversee the resolution of mechanical design conflicts, field conditions, and constructability concerns through the RFI and design clarification processes.
• Verify that equipment locations, service clearances, access requirements, supports, connections, and maintenance requirements are addressed before installation.
• Coordinate equipment setting, rigging, delivery, storage, installation, and connection activities with field personnel and other trades.
• Monitor field progress and ensure work is sequenced to support efficient installation and minimize rework or trade interference.
• Coordinate with field supervision to confirm that installation methods and sequencing align with project requirements and the approved execution plan.

3. Scheduling and Progress Management

• Develop, maintain, and update project schedules in coordination with the general contractor, owner, field supervision, and other project stakeholders.
• Identify critical mechanical activities, long-lead equipment, fabrication requirements, procurement milestones, and installation sequencing constraints.
• Coordinate mechanical work with overall project milestones, including equipment delivery, building enclosure, utility availability, startup, testing, commissioning, and substantial completion.
• Monitor project progress against the approved schedule and implement corrective actions when delays or productivity issues arise.
• Coordinate labor planning and installation priorities with field supervision to support schedule commitments.
• Prepare and communicate schedule updates, progress reports, look-ahead schedules, and recovery plans as required.
• Maintain accurate project photos, meeting minutes, daily reports, and other progress documentation.
• Proactively identify schedule risks related to equipment availability, design changes, coordination conflicts, inspections, and material procurement.

4. Financial Management and Cost Control

• Manage project financial performance, including budget development, cost forecasting, cash flow, profitability, and final cost projections.
• Establish and maintain project budgets and cost control procedures in accordance with company requirements.
• Monitor labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs against the approved budget.
• Review job cost reports, committed costs, projected costs to complete, and potential cost overruns.
• Work with estimating and procurement personnel to validate project scope, budget assumptions, and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and evaluate alternative materials, equipment, and installation methods without compromising project requirements.
• Track labor productivity and coordinate with field supervision to address variances from established production expectations.
• Ensure project costs, commitments, and financial forecasts are accurately documented and reported.
• Prepare and review monthly financial reports and provide timely updates to the Senior Project Manager or Project Executive.

5. Procurement and Material Management

• Develop and manage procurement schedules for mechanical equipment, sheet metal, ductwork, piping materials, plumbing fixtures, valves, fittings, and related components.
• Review equipment and material requirements to identify long-lead items and establish procurement priorities.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to obtain pricing, confirm availability, monitor fabrication and delivery schedules, and resolve procurement issues.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and processing of purchase orders and subcontract agreements in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensure equipment and material submittals are submitted, reviewed, approved, and released in time to support the construction schedule.
• Coordinate material deliveries with field supervision to ensure appropriate timing, storage, handling, and installation readiness.
• Monitor material costs, vendor commitments, and delivery performance to minimize project delays and unnecessary expenses.
• Verify that purchased equipment and materials comply with contract requirements, approved submittals, and project specifications.

6. Subcontractor and Vendor Management

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with mechanical subcontractors, equipment suppliers, manufacturers, and specialty vendors.
• Coordinate subcontractor scope, responsibilities, schedules, and deliverables to support project execution.
• Review subcontractor proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and scope requirements as needed.
• Monitor subcontractor performance related to safety, quality, schedule, coordination, and contractual obligations.
• Facilitate resolution of scope gaps, installation conflicts, material issues, and performance concerns.
• Coordinate subcontractor meetings and ensure timely communication of project requirements, schedule changes, and design clarifications.
• Support subcontractor negotiations, change order evaluations, and resolution of commercial issues.
• Ensure subcontractor work is properly documented, coordinated, and completed in accordance with project requirements.

7. Submittals, RFIs, and Document Control

• Oversee the preparation, review, tracking, and submission of mechanical equipment, material, and product submittals.
• Manage the RFI process to obtain timely clarification of design discrepancies, installation requirements, and unforeseen field conditions.
• Maintain current construction drawings, specifications, addenda, approved submittals, coordination drawings, and other project records.
• Ensure design revisions and approved changes are communicated to the appropriate project personnel and incorporated into the work.
• Coordinate equipment data, shop drawings, fabrication drawings, installation details, and operation and maintenance requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of project correspondence, meeting minutes, approvals, changes, and other contractual documentation.
• Ensure project closeout documents and required records are maintained throughout construction rather than deferred until project completion.

8. Change Management and Contract Administration

• Identify changes in scope, design revisions, unforeseen conditions, and other events that may affect project cost or schedule.
• Evaluate the cost and schedule impacts of proposed changes and coordinate supporting documentation.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate change order requests with owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate logs of potential changes, submitted proposals, approvals, and outstanding issues.
• Ensure additional work is properly documented and authorized in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Review contract requirements, payment terms, notice provisions, and other commercial obligations.
• Assist in resolving disputes related to scope interpretation, schedule impacts, subcontractor performance, and project costs.
• Enforce risk management procedures established by the Project Executive or company leadership.

9. Quality Control, Testing, and Commissioning

• Ensure mechanical construction activities comply with approved drawings, specifications, applicable codes, and company quality standards.
• Coordinate required inspections and verification of installed mechanical systems and equipment.
• Work with field supervision to identify deficiencies, establish corrective actions, and verify completion.
• Coordinate pressure testing, flushing, cleaning, leak testing, equipment startup, and other required system testing.
• Coordinate testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) activities for applicable HVAC systems.
• Support commissioning activities, functional performance testing, and resolution of outstanding mechanical system issues.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, controls contractors, commissioning agents, engineers, and owners as required.
• Verify that required testing records, inspection reports, equipment documentation, and commissioning deliverables are completed.
• Monitor installation quality and address issues promptly to reduce rework, delays, and warranty exposure.

10. Safety and Risk Management

• Promote and enforce a safe work environment in coordination with field supervision and company safety personnel.
• Ensure project personnel and subcontractors comply with applicable safety regulations, owner requirements, and BL Harbert safety policies.
• Participate in safety meetings, site inspections, hazard assessments, and corrective action reviews.
• Identify risks associated with equipment rigging, overhead work, elevated duct installation, confined spaces, hot work, and other mechanical construction activities.
• Coordinate with field supervision to ensure appropriate planning for material handling, equipment installation, and work sequencing.
• Monitor compliance with approved work plans and established risk management procedures.
• Address unsafe conditions and escalate significant safety or project risks through the appropriate company channels.

11. Project Closeout and Turnover

• Develop and maintain a project closeout plan that identifies required documentation, testing, inspections, and turnover milestones.
• Coordinate completion of punch lists and outstanding mechanical work with field supervision and subcontractors.
• Ensure required testing, balancing, startup, commissioning, and inspection activities are completed.
• Oversee the collection and submission of operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, equipment information, as-built drawings, and other closeout documents.
• Coordinate owner training and equipment demonstrations with manufacturers, vendors, and field personnel as required.
• Verify completion of outstanding contractual obligations and assist with final billing, financial reconciliation, and project closeout.
• Support the transition of completed mechanical systems to the owner or facility operations team.
• Participate in project review meetings and document lessons learned to improve future project execution.

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with owners, general contractors, architects, engineers, commissioning agents, and other design team representatives.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with mechanical subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.
• Communicate project status, cost impacts, schedule concerns, and construction challenges clearly and professionally.
• Represent BL Harbert in project meetings, owner discussions, subcontractor coordination meetings, and other professional settings.
• Promote positive relationships with clients, industry partners, and the communities in which BL Harbert operates.
• Participate in at least one industry organization or community service organization, consistent with company expectations.
• Assume a leadership role in community service initiatives as appropriate.
• Seek opportunities to understand and contribute to BL Harbert's business development process, client relationships, and long-term growth objectives.

Corporate Culture and Professional Development

• Embrace and demonstrate BL Harbert's corporate values through leadership, communication, decision-making, and daily project management.
• Maintain a professional, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach to project challenges.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, safety, quality, and continuous improvement among project team members.
• Seek feedback and pursue professional development opportunities to strengthen technical, financial, and leadership capabilities.
• Provide guidance and development opportunities for Assistant Project Managers and other direct reports.
• Support the advancement of team members through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and effective delegation.
• Collaborate with estimating, preconstruction, operations, safety, and other company departments to support project and organizational objectives.
• Maintain an understanding of BL Harbert's business goals and contribute to the successful execution and growth of its mechanical construction operations.

General Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prohibit or restrict other tasks that may be assigned and is subject to change at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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