Construction Manager - HVAC

D & E Air Conditioning Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative culture

Career development

Competitive salary

High-performing environment

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

D&E Air Conditioning Pty Ltd in Melbourne is seeking a senior leader to direct Project Managers and construction teams, delivering complex mechanical services projects safely, on time and within budget. You will own the project portfolio, drive commercial outcomes and mentor teams to sustain high performance.

You will maintain strong client, supplier and internal relationships while upholding quality and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading construction, mechanical services or project delivery teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects or a significant portfolio.
• Strong financial management including budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Project Managers, engineering and drafting teams, supervisors and subcontractors.
• Oversee the project portfolio to deliver safely, on time and within budget.
• Develop and execute the division's strategic vision in line with company goals.
• Drive a safety-first culture across the construction team.
• Provide commercial oversight including budgets, WIP, and cost-to-complete.
• Review and negotiate construction contracts and manage client relationships.
• Ensure planning, scheduling, resource allocation and project controls.

Skills

People leadership

Commercial acumen

Strategic vision

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Job description

At D&E Air Conditioning, our people are at the centre of everything we do. As one of Australia’s leading mechanical services contractors, we offer the opportunity to work on some of the country’s most complex and high-profile projects while being supported by a collaborative, safety-first, and team-oriented culture.

With over 35 years of industry success and a national workforce of more than 900 employees, we are committed to long-term career development, continuous learning, and recognising the contribution our people make every day. Join a business where stability, innovation, and genuine career progression go hand in hand.

About The Role

This is a senior leadership position responsible for leading Project Managers and Construction teams, providing the direction and commercial oversight needed to deliver projects safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. You will take ownership of the overall project portfolio, ensuring teams have the structure, resources and support to perform at their best, while driving operational excellence, strengthening project lifecycle processes and ensuring consistent delivery.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead and mentor Project Managers, engineering and drafting teams, supervisors and subcontractors.
• Oversee the overall project portfolio to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Develop and execute the division's strategic vision in alignment with company objectives.
• Drive a strong safety-first culture across the construction team.
• Provide commercial and financial oversight, including budgets, forecasting, WIP, debtor control, claims and cost-to-complete.
• Identify, manage and report commercial and project risks.
• Review and negotiate construction contracts and support positive outcomes with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure effective planning, scheduling, resource allocation and project controls.
• Act as a senior escalation point for clients and key stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, building and workplace requirements.

About You

You are an experienced construction or mechanical services leader who brings strong people leadership, commercial acumen and a solutions-focused mindset. You understand what it takes to deliver complex projects successfully while balancing people, performance and commercial outcomes.

You know how to build high-performing teams, hold people accountable and make confident decisions under pressure.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience leading construction, mechanical services or project delivery teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or a significant project portfolio.
• Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and understanding of project profitability.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience with contracts, claims and negotiations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to complex challenges.Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain effective in a fast-paced project environment.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, leadership development and delivering better outcomes.

Why Join Us?

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built — one that values teamwork, accountability, innovation, and genuine collaboration. We foster an environment where ideas are welcomed, contributions are recognised, and people are empowered to take ownership and grow their careers.

What We Offer

• Collaborative, team-oriented, and people-focused culture
• Long-term career growth and professional development opportunities
• Competitive salary package and employee benefits
• Opportunity to work with skilled industry professionals in a high-performing environment
• D&E is an equal opportunity employer and encourages indigenous Australians to apply. We promote inclusiveness, cultural diversity, gender equality and non- discrimination. To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work permanently in Australia.

Kindly note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.