The Vice President – HVAC Engineering & Manufacturing is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the complete lifecycle of HVAC product development, engineering innovation, and large-scale manufacturing operations. This role drives strategic alignment across R&D, product design, plant operations, quality, and supply chain to deliver world-class HVAC systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The VP ensures product competitiveness, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability while fostering a culture of innovation and cross-functional excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Business Alignment
Define and execute the HVAC engineering and manufacturing strategy aligned with corporate growth goals.
Lead long-term product development roadmaps in collaboration with product management and executive leadership.
Monitor market trends, regulatory shifts, and technology innovations to maintain competitive advantage.
Engineering Innovation & Product Development
Oversee the design and development of HVAC systems, including air handling units, heat pumps, chillers, controls, and ventilation products.
Ensure robust stage-gate development processes, from concept through validation, certification, and launch.
Champion energy-efficient and low-GWP refrigerant technologies to support environmental targets.
Manufacturing Operations & Supply Chain
Lead multi-site manufacturing operations ensuring quality, delivery, and cost optimization.
Implement lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing principles across facilities.
Align global sourcing strategies and supplier development programs with engineering and production needs.
Quality, Compliance & Sustainability
Ensure product compliance with AHRI, UL, ASHRAE, ISO, DOE, EPA, and international HVAC standards.
Drive product and process quality initiatives to meet customer satisfaction and reduce warranty exposure.
Promote sustainability across design, production, packaging, and end-of-life product strategies.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Build and mentor a world-class team across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
Foster cross-functional collaboration between design, controls, testing, and operations teams.
Champion a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
Key Focus Areas:
Executive oversight of HVAC product engineering and high-volume manufacturing
End-to-end lifecycle management from design to production to product support
Innovation in energy efficiency, digital controls, and refrigerant systems
Strategic operations leadership in multi-site plant environments
Regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and sustainability integration
Cross-functional alignment between R&D, operations, and commercial teams
Leadership development and organizational transformation
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required
Master’s degree in Engineering, MBA, or related executive education preferred
Certifications:
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is a plus
Knowledge of AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, ISO 9001/14001, and RoHS/REACH requirements
Experience:
15+ years of experience in HVAC product development and/or manufacturing
7+ years in a senior leadership or executive role in a high-volume, engineered product environment
Proven track record of driving new product innovation, global manufacturing efficiency, and regulatory compliance
Technical Skills:
Deep knowledge of HVAC systems, thermodynamics, heat exchangers, airflow, and refrigerant circuits
Familiarity with CAD/CAE tools, ERP/MES systems, and digital factory technologies
Strong financial and operational acumen including CAPEX planning and ROI analysis
Soft Skills:
Visionary leadership and high-impact communication skills
Strong strategic thinking and change management capabilities
Proven ability to lead cross-functional and global teams in a matrixed organization
Executive-level presence with strong negotiation and stakeholder alignment skills