[Hiring] HVAC Equipment Branch Operations Manager @Johnson Controls

Role Description

In this role, you will lead a team of System Application Engineers while supporting the construction sales organization and, when needed, stepping in directly on select accounts, customers, and projects.

Under general direction, this position is responsible for helping ensure assigned projects are executed profitably, accurately, on time, and within the scope of contract. The role balances pre-sales and post-sales execution, strengthens technical support for the sales team, and helps drive customer satisfaction, project performance, and effective handoff to service teams.

Location for the role is flexible but will need to be located in the Central and or Eastern time zone's within the US. Occasional travel to the South East will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coach System Application Engineers supporting the construction sales team.
• Function as a System Application Engineer for select representatives, customers, and projects based on branch needs.
• Support highly complex or strategic projects assigned by branch management.
• Ensure projects are executed within scope, on schedule, accurately, and with a focus on profitability and customer expectations.
• Reduce equipment slippage by following up, identifying root causes, and helping prevent recurrence.
• Provide training and daily guidance on project management practices and the Johnson Controls equipment order execution process.
• Support pre-sales activities including system configuration validation, HVAC equipment and/or controls selection, bidding, application, and pricing.
• Review and support submittals, estimates, proposals, selections, engineering drawings, and specifications to improve accuracy and consistency.
• Act as the first level of escalation for equipment orders, order commitments, delivery, final payment, and customer satisfaction issues.
• Build strong working relationships with Account Executives, contractors, customers, consultants, vendors, service teams, and LSSs/PMs.
• Support proper turnover to the service team and coordination on joint projects, including startup and warranty processes.
• Communicate process issues, warranty trends, and systemic delivery issues to corporate leadership and participate in feedback sessions.

How You Will Do It

• Lead with accountability by following through on commitments, protecting project integrity, and keeping safety and customer outcomes front and center.
• Stay close to the work by understanding project details, removing obstacles quickly, and helping the team deliver what customers need.
• Use coaching and daily guidance to build SAE capability, strengthen execution, and improve consistency across the team.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing slippage, delivery issues, and technical gaps, then turning findings into practical actions.
• Work as one team with sales, service, project management, contractors, and customers to create smooth handoffs and stronger results.
• Provide clear technical review of engineering drawings and specifications, and help close gaps in interpretation or selection.
• Monitor project and proposal quality closely, then share best practices so improvements are applied across the team.
• Balance internal Johnson Controls processes with customer satisfaction and project financial performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of five years of progressively more responsible operations management experience in the Building Construction Industry.
• Minimum of five years of direct project management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team successfully.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Ability to simultaneously manage a large and diverse number of projects with professionalism, cooperation, and persistence.

Nice to Have

• Ability to travel based on the geographical locations of assigned teams.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Visio.
• Experience with Adobe Writer and a basic Windows operating system environment.
• AutoCAD experience.
• Experience supporting technical training programs or team development plans.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401K.
• On-the-job and cross-training opportunities.
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment.
• Dedication to safety through the Zero Harm policy.