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HVAC Manager

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. Please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

The HVAC Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and long-term performance of campus-wide mechanical and building systems. Reporting to the Director of Operations and working in close collaboration with the Facilities Manager, this position oversees daily HVAC operations and serves as the subject matter expert for HVAC and mechanical systems. The Manager is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of HVAC Operations on a 24 hour per day, 7 days per week basis. This position will oversee other areas of the facilities department at times, including when rotating on evening and weekend emergency coverage.

The HVAC Manager drives operational excellence through effective team leadership, proactive maintenance strategies, and data-informed decision-making. This role supports campus operations by minimizing disruptions, optimizing system performance, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. Additionally, the position advances efficiency, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives across the campus.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the daily operation, maintenance, and performance of all HVAC and boiler, and mechanical systems across campus.
• Coordinate and oversee work across all facilities trades to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment with departmental priorities.
• Supervise assigned facilities staff, including scheduling, time and attendance, and daily work coordination.
• Ensure all systems operate safely, reliably, and in full compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, including scope development, cost estimation, project execution, and quality assurance.
• Monitor system performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life.
• Administer overtime processes in accordance with AFSCME agreement requirements.

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to enhance system reliability and asset lifecycle performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Support long-term capital planning, including lifecycle replacement strategies for HVAC systems.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for HVAC and boiler operations.
• Prepare and manage operating and project budgets; monitor expenditure and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with Capital Projects, architects, and project managers to support construction and renovation initiatives.
• Lead response to major mechanical failures and support campus emergency operations in coordination with Security & Safety.
• Partner with campus stakeholders to ensure facilities work support academic, residential, and event operations with minimal disruption.
• Identify and implement energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
• Oversee workforce management including hiring, training, performance management, and discipline in accordance with union agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including required testing and inspections.
• Evaluate work orders and prioritize assignments to ensure timely and compliant completion of work.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and documentation for HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide leadership during off-hours emergencies.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required; minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in HVAC and boiler operations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience required.
• Low-pressure boiler operator’s license required (or ability to obtain within first year).
• Certification and demonstrated expertise in low- and high-pressure boiler systems required.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Basic computer skills are required (email, Word, Excel).
• Experience working in a unionized environment and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Vendor and contractor management experience.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, HAZMAT, AHERA, confined space, and related regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of building automation systems, including JCI Metasys or similar platforms.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.