HVAC/Plumbing Project Manager

Kelso Industries; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelso Industries is seeking a Project Manager to oversee mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. You will manage schedules, budgets, procurement, and client communications to ensure safe, on-time, on-budget project delivery.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical contracting or HVAC projects, strong leadership and financial acumen, and experience coordinating field teams, subcontractors, and vendors in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial construction.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and schedules.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience managing subcontractors, procurement, and client relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute projects from turnover through final completion.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost forecasts, and manpower plans.
• Coordinate project activities with field leadership, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Lead project kickoff and turnover meetings to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, logistics, and expectations.
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays, and operational challenges.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably.
• Prepare and manage monthly cost projections and financial reporting.

Skills

Project management

Reading drawings

Communication

Leadership

Budgeting

Negotiation

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Tools

Procore

Viewpoint

Sage

Autodesk

Bluebeam

Job description

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

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ 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.

Project Manager

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through closeout, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company quality standards. This role manages all aspects of project execution including planning, budgeting, procurement, subcontractor coordination, client communication, and financial performance.

The ideal candidate has strong experience managing HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial mechanical construction projects and excels in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Manage mechanical construction projects from turnover through final completion.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost forecasts, and manpower plans.
• Coordinate project activities with field leadership, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Lead project kickoff and turnover meetings to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, logistics, and expectations.
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays, and operational challenges.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably.

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage project financial performance including budgets, forecasting, billing, and cost tracking.
• Review and manage contracts, purchase orders, subcontracts, and change orders.
• Monitor labor productivity, material costs, and equipment expenditures.
• Prepare and manage monthly cost projections and financial reporting.
• Identify and pursue change order opportunities while protecting company interests.
• Support collections and ensure timely billing and payment processes.

Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Foremen, BIM/VDC teams, and Fabrication Shops to support field execution.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, drawing reviews, and project documentation.
• Attend project meetings, site walks, and coordination meetings as required.
• Maintain strong communication across operations, estimating, procurement, and executive leadership.

Procurement & Resource Management

• Coordinate procurement of materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Review vendor and subcontractor proposals to ensure scope alignment and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure long-lead items are identified and tracked to avoid project delays.
• Support workforce planning and resource allocation in collaboration with operations leadership.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote and support a strong safety culture across all assigned projects.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and client safety requirements.
• Support quality control efforts and ensure installation aligns with project specifications and standards.
• Assist with project closeout activities including punch lists, warranties, as-builts, and final documentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial construction.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, construction methods, and project execution processes.
• Experience managing commercial, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, or institutional projects preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and schedules.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience managing subcontractors, procurement, and client relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with project management software, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Esceand construction platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Field experience as a Superintendent, Foreman, or tradesperson is a plus.
• Experience with BIM/VDC coordination and prefabrication processes preferred.
• Familiarity with Procore, Viewpoint, Sage, Autodesk, Bluebeam, or similar construction software.

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