Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Design, or equivalent experience.
7+ years of HVAC design experience, with 2+ years in a leadership role.
Active State of Wisconsin HVAC Design Stamp required.
Proficient in AutoCAD and HVAC design software (e.g., Wrightsoft, Revit MEP).
Deep understanding of HVAC principles, equipment selection, and building codes.
Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple complex projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities
Lead HVAC system design activities to meet company standards and customer requirements.
Establish quality assurance processes for HVAC calculations and system designs.
Act as the primary technical resource for complex HVAC applications and challenges.
Evaluate emerging HVAC technologies and industry trends for continuous improvement.
Support customer projects and design consultations as needed.
Recruit and develop a high-performing team of HVAC designers and technicians.
Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration within the design organization.
Benefits
Opportunity to lead and shape the HVAC design organization.
Access to continuous learning and professional development programs.
Collaborative work environment focused on innovation and improvement.
Involvement in strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives.
Full Job Description
Overview
First Supply is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Corporate HVAC Design Manager to lead and elevate our HVAC design organization across all locations. This leadership role is responsible for developing design talent, establishing company-wide standards and best practices, ensuring design quality and compliance, and aligning HVAC design capabilities with business growth initiatives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills and a passion for building high-performing teams.
If you meet the skills and qualifications below, we encourage you to take charge of your career and APPLY with First Supply TODAY!
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight for HVAC system design activities across First Supply's footprint, ensuring designs meet company standards, customer requirements, and applicable codes.
Establish and maintain technical review and quality assurance processes for HVAC calculations, equipment selection, ductwork layouts, piping systems, and system designs.
Serve as the organization's primary technical resource on complex HVAC system applications, code interpretation, product selection, and design challenges.
Evaluate emerging HVAC technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to support innovation and continuous improvement.
Support complex customer projects, presentations, and design consultations as needed.
Recruit, hire, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team of HVAC designers and design technicians.
Conduct performance reviews, design audits, mentoring sessions, and coaching conversations to enhance team capability and consistency.
Develop career progression frameworks, technical training programs, and succession plans to strengthen organizational bench strength.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus throughout the design organization.
Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide HVAC design standards, CAD standards, templates, and best practices.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, consistency, quality, and scalability across all locations.
Evaluate and implement design technologies, software enhancements, and workflow improvements that increase productivity and customer responsiveness.
Maintain accurate project documentation and support compliance-related reporting requirements.
Partner with sales leadership and executive management to develop and execute the company's HVAC design strategy.
Align design resources and capabilities with business growth objectives, market expansion efforts, and customer demand.
Collaborate with sales teams to support quoting strategies, project planning, customer presentations, and technical sales initiatives.
Manage departmental staffing plans, resource allocation, and budget responsibilities to meet business objectives.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to quality, productivity, responsiveness, team development, and operational effectiveness.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Design, or related work experience required.
Minimum of 7+ years of HVAC design experience, preferably across both residential and commercial sectors, including 2+ years in a leadership, management, or supervisory capacity.
Active State of Wisconsin HVAC Design Stamp required.
Mastery of AutoCAD, HVAC design software (e.g., Wrightsoft, Revit MEP, or similar), and energy modeling tools.
In-depth understanding of HVAC principles, equipment selection, ventilation standards, and applicable building codes.
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, meeting quality, cost, and timeline goals.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams, influence strategy, and foster collaboration across departments.
Prior experience managing or developing a team of designers or engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management, strongly preferred.
Willingness to travel across First Supply's footprint to support locations, teams, and growth initiatives.
Strong business acumen with the ability to translate design capability into sales growth and strategic outcomes.
