Position Summary
Kelso Building Services is looking for a results-driven Area Manager to oversee and expand our Critical Environment Services operations. This role is responsible for leading all aspects of HVACR service delivery in mission-critical settings such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and athletic complexes.
The individual in this position will have end-to-end accountability for operational execution, technical performance, financial outcomes, and customer satisfaction. Success in this role requires a strong mechanical background, leadership capability, and the ability to grow a high-performing service organization.
Primary Responsibilities
Operations & Service Delivery
- Lead day-to-day execution of HVACR services including inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, rebuilds, and system upgrades.
- Develop and implement consistent service standards, operating procedures, and quality assurance practices across all teams.
- Manage scheduling, dispatch coordination, and workforce utilization to ensure efficient service delivery and responsiveness.
- Establish and track performance metrics related to productivity, service quality, uptime, response times, and safety.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency across operations.
Technical Oversight
- Ensure accurate troubleshooting, repair execution, and performance optimization of critical HVACR systems.
- Oversee installation projects, equipment replacements, and retrofit initiatives.
- Maintain working expertise in systems such as chilled water loops, air- and water-cooled chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, cooling towers, and DX systems.
- Collaborate with engineering partners and vendors to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
- Confirm all work aligns with manufacturer standards and applicable industry regulations.
Business Growth & Financial Management
- Drive revenue growth through expansion of service agreements and project work.
- Support sales efforts by reviewing scopes, pricing, and proposals to maintain profitability.
- Develop strategies to grow recurring maintenance contracts and increase backlog.
- Identify opportunities for new service offerings, geographic growth, and potential acquisitions.
- Maintain full financial ownership, including budgeting, forecasting, and margin performance.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, and retain technicians, supervisors, and operational staff.
- Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
- Implement structured onboarding, training programs, and career progression pathways.
- Conduct performance reviews and build succession plans to strengthen leadership depth.
- Mentor team members to promote consistency and operational discipline.
Client Relationship Management
- Act as the primary contact for key customer accounts.
- Deliver a high-quality service experience with a focus on responsiveness and transparency.
- Provide guidance on equipment lifecycle planning, capital improvements, and long-term maintenance strategies.
- Manage expectations around scope, scheduling, and cost.
- Support contract renewals and long-term partnerships, including emergency service coordination when needed.
Compliance & Safety
- Enforce OSHA, EPA, and other safety and environmental standards.
- Ensure proper documentation, service records, and audit readiness.
- Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans.
- Promote a strong safety culture across all field operations.
Qualifications
Required
- 10+ years of experience in HVACR or industrial mechanical services.
- At least 5 years in a leadership role with responsibility for operations and financial performance.
- Strong understanding of commercial and industrial HVAC systems.
- Experience managing budgets, P&L, and operational KPIs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead field teams and grow service operations.
- Excellent communication and customer relationship skills.
- Ability to work in varied environments (e.g., rooftops, mechanical rooms, temperature extremes).
- Willingness to travel within the assigned region and participate in emergency response as needed.
Preferred
- Industry certifications such as EPA 608, OSHA 30, CMRP, CDCP, or OEM credentials.
- Experience with service management or ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Salesforce, Procore).
- Background in building or scaling service-based organizations within skilled trades.