HVAC Director at Midwestern Mechanical in Rapid City, SD

Midwestern Mechanical is more than a place to work, it’s a place to build a future. Founded in 1983 as a one-man plumbing operation in a converted chicken coop, we’ve grown into a 300+ employee-owned company serving South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Today, we proudly support careers in plumbing, heating, HVAC, and fire protection. Through it all, our values have remained the same: treat people right, do quality work, and build something that lasts.

As a 100% employee-owned company, every team member is an owner. With industry-leading training, registered apprenticeship programs, and a strong promote-from-within culture, your work directly supports your career and your future. From residential service to large commercial projects, we take pride in doing great work together.

If you’re looking for meaningful work, real career advancement, and a team that looks out for one another, you’ll find it here.

Position Summary:

The HVAC Director is responsible for the strategic and people leadership of the HVAC division, guiding the performance, development, and engagement of all project and field teams. This role oversees project management, budgeting, estimating, quality control, and client relations while setting clear expectations, coaching staff, and building a high-performing, collaborative team environment. The Director plays a key role in decision-making, problem-solving, and cultivating a culture of safety, trust, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all HVAC operations.

Core Functions & Strategic Objectives:

Project Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee all phases of HVAC projects - from pre-planning through completion - working closely with the Project Manager(s) and Superintendent(s).
• Provide direct leadership, guidance, and performance oversight to the Project Manager(s), Superintendent(s) and Fab Shop to ensure all responsibilities are executed effectively and on schedule.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, verify work quality, and ensure adherence to safety standards.

Estimating, Budgeting & Cost Control

• Lead the estimating process for new projects, including design-build opportunities.
• Review and compare vendor and subcontractor quotes; clearly articulate differences, evaluate compliance with specifications, and recommend optimal solutions.
• Confirm that all material and equipment quotes meet project specifications and pricing requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and forecast project budgets; identify and resolve cost variances proactively.
• Implement and manage cost-control procedures, including labor tracking, material management, and invoice verification (e.g., overbilling, freight charges, sales tax).

Contract Administration & Documentation

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation and verification of all project billing, including AIA documents.
• Manage the preparation, submission, and tracking of all project close-out documentation, final payments, collections, and lien releases as required.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with contract requirements, internal policies, and company operational standards.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Lead and participate in division and project meetings, providing clear updates, answering technical questions, and representing the HVAC division professionally.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance management to project managers, superintendents, and project teams to support their development and success.
• Set clear expectations and ensure team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and performance standards.
• Support the project team to ensure alignment with schedules, budgets, quality expectations, safety requirements, and company procedures.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that encourages accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate effectively with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal departments to maintain project flow and resolve issues quickly.
• Identify skills gaps within the division and support training, recruitment, and development efforts to strengthen team capability.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, owners’ representatives, design architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communication, ensuring responsiveness and customer satisfaction.

Compliance & Licensing

• Obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications necessary for HVAC operations and project execution.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Take primary responsibility for overall project quality control in accordance with company standards.
• Address and resolve any unfavorable variances from established budgets, schedules, or performance metrics.
• Promote continuous improvement in project delivery, team performance, and operational processes.

Education and Experience:

• Completion of High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• B.S. degree in construction or project management preferred. Field experience is a plus.
• Masters Mechanical license obtained within 1 year of acceptance of position.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in computer operations, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Office 365; strong ability to organize and manage email communication efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface professionally with field personnel, subcontractors, engineers, clients, and owners.
• Proven leadership abilities with demonstrated success in leading and supporting project teams.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex situations and determine effective solutions.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction project management, including scheduling, budgeting, and field coordination.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to identify, correct, and prevent errors.
• Collaborative team mindset, with the ability to build, motivate, and maintain a positive and high-performing team environment.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and accountability.
• Strong customer service orientation, ensuring positive and professional interactions with clients and stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to current and prospective job sites across the region.
• Willingness to travel overnight as required for corporate meetings, project follow-up, training, and industry conferences.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, including walking on uneven terrain, gravel, mud, or construction-grade surfaces. As well as the ability to climb stairs, ladders, or access elevated areas in a safe manner to perform site inspections.
• Lift, carry, or move up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., plans, small equipment, documents, samples).
• Adequate vision, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception, to review drawings, observe work quality, and conduct site assessments.
• Safely navigate construction environments and use hearing protection where required.
• Work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind during site visits.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, work boots, hearing protection, and gloves.
• Ability to drive frequently, including to job sites across the region and occasionally for overnight travel.
• Bend, kneel, reach, and move around active construction areas to observe work or gather information.
• Manual dexterity sufficient for computer use, typing, handling documents, and using mobile devices.

Work Conditions:

The HVAC Division Director will primarily work in an office environment but will also conduct regular visits to active job sites. Site visits may involve exposure to a wide range of weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, wind, rain, and snow. Job sites may also be impacted by water, mud, and other environmental factors.

This position may require working at elevated heights using approved safety equipment, as well as exposure to high-noise environments where hearing protection is required and provided. The Director must be able to navigate active construction areas safely while adhering to all job site safety protocols.

Disclaimer:

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position. MWM reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Midwestern Mechanical is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.