Building Automation Controls Manager

Specialized Recruiting Group is seeking a Building Automation Controls Manager to lead the Controls Department of a commercial HVAC company in the Durham, NC area.

As the Building Automation (BAS) Controls Manager, you would manage the daily operations of the Controls Department, including overseeing a team of 10 technicians, installers, and engineering personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Assign manpower and coordinate schedules based on project priorities, service needs, and deadlines.
• Oversee controls projects from estimating and startup through commissioning and closeout.
• Review project drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, submittals, and control schematics.
• Prepare and review estimates, proposals, change orders, scopes of work, exclusions, material requirements, and labor budgets.
• Monitor project costs, labor hours, billing, profitability, and schedule performance.
• Ensure controls installations and programming meet contract requirements, approved submittals, and industry standards.
• Provide technical direction for troubleshooting, system integration, programming, networking, and equipment startup.
• Coordinate with general contractors, mechanical contractors, electricians, TAB contractors, engineers, owners, and equipment representatives.
• Maintain clear communication with customers regarding schedules, project status, technical issues, and required follow-up.
• Oversee BAS service agreements, remote monitoring, system backups, software maintenance agreements, licensing, and remote-access solutions.
• Manage project documentation, including submittals, RFIs, as-built drawings, commissioning records, backups, warranties, and closeout documents.
• Support the development of departmental procedures, estimating standards, quality-control practices, and training.
• Mentor employees and identify technical or operational training needs.
• Help recruit, evaluate, and retain qualified Controls personnel.
• Promote jobsite safety and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable codes.
• Assist with business development and maintain positive relationships with existing and prospective customers.

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in HVAC controls, Building Automation Systems, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience managing controls projects, employees, or a technical department.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems, including air-handling units, rooftop units, VAV systems, hydronic systems, boilers, chillers, pumps, valves, dampers, and associated controls.
• Experience reading mechanical plans, controls drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Working knowledge of DDC controls, BAS networking, system integration, BACnet, Modbus, and common low-voltage control wiring.
• Ability to estimate material, labor, programming, startup, and commissioning requirements.
• Experience managing project budgets, change orders, billing, schedules, and profitability.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities without losing attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with Niagara-based systems and Honeywell controls.
• Familiarity with JACE controllers, supervisors, remote-access devices, licensing, and software maintenance agreements.
• Experience integrating third-party equipment and multiple control platforms.
• Controls programming, engineering, commissioning, or startup experience.
• Experience working for a commercial mechanical or controls contractor.
• Manufacturer certifications, Niagara certification, or related technical training.
• Experience with construction accounting, job-cost reporting, and project-management software.