Controls Manager - Building Automation

Specialized Recruiting Group - Raleigh-Durham, NC; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with auto enrollment

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

On-the-job training

Job summary

Specialized Recruiting Group is seeking a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Controls Manager to lead the Controls division of a commercial HVAC company in the Durham, NC area. The role oversees a team of technicians, installers, and engineers, directing projects from estimation through commissioning and closeout.

The position offers a direct hire with a salary target of $110,000 to $130,000, plus a robust benefits package including health, dental, and vision, 401(k) with auto enrollment, PTO,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in HVAC controls or BAS
• Experience managing controls projects and personnel
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and associated controls
• Experience reading mechanical plans, wiring diagrams, specs, sequences
• Familiarity with Niagara-based systems and Honeywell controls
• Experience with BAS networking, BACnet, Modbus and remote-access tech

Responsibilities

• Assign manpower and coordinate project schedules
• Oversee controls projects from estimating to commissioning
• Review drawings, specs, sequences of operation and submittals
• Prepare estimates, change orders, scopes of work and labor budgets
• Monitor costs, labor hours, billing and profitability
• Ensure installations and programming meet contract requirements
• Provide technical direction for troubleshooting and startup
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, owners, and suppliers
• Maintain communication with customers on schedules and issues
• Oversee service agreements, remote monitoring, and licensing

Skills

HVAC controls

Team management

Project oversight

Estimation

Controls programming

Tools

Niagara

Honeywell

BACnet

Modbus

DDC controls

Job description

Specialized Recruiting Group is seeking a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Controls Manager to lead the Controls division of a commercial HVAC company in the Durham, NC area.

This in-house team designs, implements, and services building automation controls for a variety of commercial customers. As the BAS Controls Manager, you would manage the daily operations of the Controls division, including overseeing a team of 10 technicians, installers, and engineering personnel.

This is a direct hire position (no contracting or probationary period) directly with our client, with a target salary range of $110,000 to $130,000.

As a part of the team, you’ll also have access to a solid benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (1st of the month after 30 days)
• 401(k) – auto enrollment at 6% after 90 days
• Paid time off accrual and 7 paid holidays
• Life and disability coverage
• On-the-job training and growth opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Assign manpower and coordinate schedules based on project priorities, service needs, and deadlines.
• Oversee controls projects from estimating and startup through commissioning and closeout.
• Review project drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, submittals, and control schematics.
• Prepare and review estimates, proposals, change orders, scopes of work, exclusions, material requirements, and labor budgets.
• Monitor project costs, labor hours, billing, profitability, and schedule performance.
• Ensure controls installations and programming meet contract requirements, approved submittals, and industry standards.
• Provide technical direction for troubleshooting, system integration, programming, networking, and equipment startup.
• Coordinate with general contractors, mechanical contractors, electricians, TAB contractors, engineers, owners, and equipment representatives.
• Maintain clear communication with customers regarding schedules, project status, technical issues, and required follow-up.
• Oversee BAS service agreements, remote monitoring, system backups, software maintenance agreements, licensing, and remote-access solutions.
• Manage project documentation, including submittals, RFIs, as-built drawings, commissioning records, backups, warranties, and closeout documents.
• Support the development of departmental procedures, estimating standards, quality-control practices, and training.
• Mentor employees and identify technical or operational training needs.
• Help recruit, evaluate, and retain qualified Controls personnel.
• Promote jobsite safety and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable codes.
• Assist with business development and maintain positive relationships with existing and prospective customers.

Desired Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in HVAC controls, Building Automation Systems, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience managing controls projects, employees, or a technical department.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems, including air-handling units, rooftop units, VAV systems, hydronic systems, boilers, chillers, pumps, valves, dampers, and associated controls.
• Experience reading mechanical plans, controls drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Working knowledge of DDC controls, BAS networking, system integration, BACnet, Modbus, and common low-voltage control wiring.
• Ability to estimate material, labor, programming, startup, and commissioning requirements.
• Experience managing project budgets, change orders, billing, schedules, and profitability.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities without losing attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as required.
• Experience with Niagara-based systems and Honeywell controls.
• Familiarity with JACE controllers, supervisors, remote-access devices, licensing, and software maintenance agreements.
• Experience integrating third-party equipment and multiple control platforms.
• Controls programming, engineering, commissioning, or startup experience.
• Experience working for a commercial mechanical or controls contractor.
• Manufacturer certifications, Niagara certification, or related technical training.
• Experience with construction accounting, job-cost reporting, and project-management software.