Senior Controls Project Manager

Senior Controls Project Manager

About Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading commercial mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and mechanical construction services. Originally established through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings together decades of experience delivering high-quality commercial construction projects.

At VMG, we take pride in our people and believe that teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement are key to our success. We are looking for motivated professionals who want to grow their careers and contribute to our expanding team.

Position Overview

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Project Manager to lead and oversee complex building automation systems (BAS) and HVAC controls projects from start to finish. This individual will be responsible for managing multiple projects, overseeing budgets, schedules, resources, and project teams while ensuring successful execution, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in building automation systems, HVAC controls, and commercial construction, along with strong leadership, financial management, and project management skills. This position requires someone who can independently manage large-scale projects, mentor junior project managers, and effectively coordinate with field teams, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and company leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple complex building automation and controls projects from preconstruction through completion and closeout.

• Oversee project schedules, budgets, resources, manpower planning, and overall financial performance.

• Manage project profitability, cost forecasting, change orders, invoicing, and financial reporting.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to project managers, assistant project managers, and field teams.

• Coordinate with engineers, field technicians, subcontractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders.

• Review contracts, mechanical drawings, controls specifications, and construction documents to ensure project requirements are met.

• Identify and resolve project risks, scheduling conflicts, technical challenges, and potential cost impacts.

• Oversee equipment procurement, material deliveries, subcontractor coordination, and workforce planning.

• Maintain strong relationships with customers, general contractors, vendors, and internal leadership.

• Lead project meetings and provide regular updates on schedules, budgets, financial performance, and overall project status.

• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with company quality and safety standards.

• Oversee controls installation, system integration, testing, commissioning, and final project closeout.

• Support estimating, preconstruction planning, project handoffs, and business development efforts as needed.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve project efficiency, productivity, and overall performance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in building automation systems, HVAC controls, mechanical contracting, or commercial construction project management.

• Proven experience managing large-scale or multiple complex commercial BAS and HVAC controls projects.

• Strong understanding of building automation systems (BAS), direct digital controls (DDC), HVAC equipment, and mechanical building systems.

• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, cost forecasting, schedules, change orders, invoicing, and profitability.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical diagrams, controls specifications, and construction documents.

• Strong knowledge of electrical and control systems associated with commercial HVAC equipment and building operations.

• Experience leading project teams, coordinating subcontractors, and managing multiple priorities.

• Strong leadership, decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, general contractors, and senior leadership.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Ability to work independently, make critical project decisions, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the DMV area as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing large commercial HVAC building automation and DDC projects.

• Familiarity with BAS platforms such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara, or similar systems.

• Experience overseeing controls installation, programming, system integration, testing, and commissioning.

• Strong understanding of mechanical construction processes, project sequencing, and coordination with other trades.

• Previous experience mentoring or supervising project managers and field personnel.

• Experience with project estimating, contract negotiations, and preconstruction planning.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• PMP certification or other relevant project management credentials.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as needed.

• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods.

• Ability to visit active construction sites and navigate uneven surfaces and stairs.

• Ability to work in both office and construction site environments.

• May be exposed to construction noise, dust, and varying weather conditions during site visits.

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting construction sites.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits & Perks

VMG offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Paid time off and paid holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Opportunity to lead complex commercial construction and building automation projects.

Join Our Team

At Vertical Mechanical Group, we believe our success starts with our people. If you are an experienced Senior Controls Project Manager with a strong background in building automation, project leadership, and financial management, we encourage you to apply and become part of our growing team.

Vertical Mechanical Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.