HVAC/Plumbing Project Manager

Kelso Industries; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelso Industries in Cincinnati, OH seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead complex mechanical, HVAC, and electrical projects from buy-out to closeout. You will coordinate subcontractors, procurement, budgets, and schedules, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

Candidates bring 10+ years in construction, strong communication, and the ability to read plans and contracts. The role involves collaboration withGCs, field crews, and leadership to deliver successful projects on time and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Ten plus years of experience managing commercial or industrial construction projects.
• Ability to read plans, specifications, and contracts; budgeting and change orders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee buy-out phase including subcontractor selection, budgets, and key terms.
• Manage project schedule, look-ahead, costs, and productivity with field team.
• Coordinate with general contractor, suppliers, and company leadership to ensure on-time delivery.
• Review and process change orders, invoices, and related payments per contract terms.
• Conduct regular site visits, monitor safety, and communicate progress to stakeholders.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Excellent written and verbal

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management / related field

OSHA 30 certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful execution of assigned projects from buy-out through construction and closeout. This role manages subcontractor and material procurement, project budgets, schedules, submittals, and change orders, and serves as the primary point of coordination among the general contractor, field team, suppliers, and company leadership to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality and safety standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Buy-Out Phase

• Send an introduction email to the client covering submittals, materials, lead times, permits, start date, and schedule.
• Review plans, specifications, and RFIs, and complete the estimate takeoff.
• Buy out subcontractors, materials, and suppliers, including:
  • Coordinating supplier releases and delivery dates per the project schedule.
  • Awarding vendors and issuing purchase orders.
  • Releasing the lay schedule and shop drawings.
• Attend the handoff meeting with Estimating to review the estimated budget and productions.
• Attend general contractor coordination meetings.
• Review and understand the contract, including:
  • Scope mark-ups and negotiations.
  • Creating the schedule of values.
  • Requesting reports from Estimating.
  • Understanding bid day agreements and key contractual issues.
• Coordinate with the General Superintendent on the production schedule.
• Create the project budget, including:
  • Releasing buyout funds.
  • Adding or deducting schedule days per the General Superintendent’s schedule.
  • Escalating and reconciling budget overruns to leadership.
  • Rebuying out the job, if necessary.
• Ensure the project team is bought in to established production rates.
• Manage submittals through review and approval.
• Complete project job set-up.
• Pull and confirm permits, including right-of-way, building, and fire line permits.
• Manage change orders related to drawing revisions.
• Prepare and facilitate the internal project kickoff meeting and follow up on all action items, including:
  • Distributing documents to the superintendent and foreman prior to the meeting.
  • Documenting and distributing action items with responsibilities and due dates.
  • Following up on open action items.
• Confirm critical milestones and associated dates, including:
  • Alignment of the material procurement plan with the project schedule.
  • Final plans.
  • Contract duration dates and deadlines.

Construction Phase

• Provide materials support by tracking and following up on long-lead and backordered items, and addressing vendor/supplier issues, delays, and change orders.
• Manage the project schedule by reviewing and updating production weekly and the two-week look-ahead, documenting delays and deviations, and notifying the general contractor of impacts related to changes in schedule, sequence, or scope.
• Manage change orders, including:
  • Reviewing, ensuring timely pricing, processing, and receiving approval on change orders.
  • Understanding and following contractual terms with the general contractor.
  • Following up on all outstanding change orders and resolving open change orders with incurred cost at least twice weekly.
  • Updating budgeted cost and hours for change orders (CO coversheet).
• Conduct job site visits, including attending required general contractor in-person meetings, visiting the job site at least monthly (or as needed), understanding progress and work in place relative to job cost and projections, and reviewing costs, productivity, and the weekly look-ahead plan with the foreman.
• Manage cost and productivity, including:
  • Reviewing and signing off on all invoices within five business days.
  • Updating cost projections weekly.
  • Monitoring large outstanding material or subcontractor invoices.
  • Reviewing material quantities ordered versus budgeted.
  • Distributing production reports to the foreman and superintendent weekly.
  • Meeting or beating all direct cost items on projects (labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, other).
  • Participating in biweekly job projection meetings.
  • Participating in weekly manpower meetings. (2 week forecast)
  • Accounting for and tracking all allowances.

• Complete and prepare monthly billings.
• Maintain regular, responsive communication with foremen and superintendents, including daily project updates.
• Maintain regular communication with the operations manager, including periodic project reviews and early notification of potential issues.
• Maintain responsive communication with the general contractor’s project team, addressing issues as they arise.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Represent Feldkamp Mechanical’s best interests at job site and general contractor meetings as required.

Post-Construction Phase

• Conduct formal post-job reviews and provide objective productivity feedback to Estimating.
• Ensure timely project closeout and resolution of all outstanding change orders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing commercial or industrial construction projects, preferably in mechanical, HVAC, or a related trade.
• Strong understanding of project buyout, scheduling, budgeting, and change order management.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management or scheduling software.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and general contractors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ten plus years of experience or a combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of HVAC systems and mechanical construction processes.
• Experience with Revit and/or Navisworks for project coordination.
• OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is primarily performed in an office setting and requires extended periods of sitting and computer use. Regular job site visits are required and may involve exposure to active construction environments, including uneven terrain, noise, and varying weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here you will experience:

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business