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.

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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.

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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.