General Manager

Relate Search; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Relate Search partners with a well-established building services company to recruit a General Manager to build and lead its growing HVAC business in Connecticut. The role demands high-impact leadership, P&L ownership, and strategic growth oversight in a multi-disciplinary environment.

The successful candidate will drive profitability, lead a cross-functional team, and cultivate client relationships while delivering integrated HVAC solutions in the Connecticut market.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical industry experience with significant operations leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day leadership and financial performance of the HVAC business, including P&L management and accountability for results.
• Build and execute a growth strategy for the Connecticut HVAC business, expanding customer base and project pipeline.
• Lead and develop the mechanical team across operations, project execution, service and customer-facing functions.
• Ensure HVAC projects are properly planned, managed and profitable with strong quality and customer satisfaction.

Skills

P&L management

Operations leadership

HVAC industry experience

Business development

Job description

Relate Search has partnered with a well-established, integrated building services company in its search for a General Manager to build and lead its growing HVAC business in Connecticut. The company has been serving its market for more than five decades and provides mechanical services, building automation and temperature controls, security, audio, fire systems, and energy-efficiency solutions. This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced commercial mechanical leader to take ownership of the HVAC business, strengthen operations, manage the P&L, develop the team, and create the structure needed to accelerate growth.

Responsibilities:

Own the day-to-day leadership and financial performance of the HVAC business, including P&L management, operational execution, and accountability for results.

Build and execute a growth strategy for the Connecticut HVAC business, identifying opportunities to expand the customer base, project pipeline, and overall market presence.

Lead and develop the mechanical team, setting clear expectations and building a high-performing organization across operations, project execution, service, and customer-facing functions.

Ensure HVAC projects are properly planned, managed, and executed, maintaining strong standards for quality, customer satisfaction, schedule, and profitability.

Partner with leadership across the broader organization to identify opportunities for integrated solutions and ensure the HVAC business works effectively with the company’s other business units.

Qualifications:

7+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical industry experience, with significant experience in operations leadership.

Proven experience managing a P&L and leading a business unit or organization with responsibility for financial and operational performance.

Strong understanding of commercial mechanical projects, including the ability to oversee project planning, execution, and profitability.

Demonstrated ability to grow a business by developing customer opportunities, strengthening relationships, and creating a proactive, market-focused organization.

Hands-on industry background strongly preferred; candidates may have progressed from a field or skilled-trades role into operations and business leadership.

Opportunity to build and shape an HVAC business with significant room for growth in the Connecticut market.

High-visibility leadership role with direct ownership of the business’s growth, people, operations, and financial performance.

Opportunity to work within an integrated building services organization with multiple complementary capabilities.

Base salary of up to $200,000 plus an MBO incentive opportunity; MBO targets for the broader company have historically been approximately 25-40%.

Regular in-office presence expected, particularly during the initial period of the role.

About Relate Search

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.