OPERATIONS MANAGER – HVAC
Hales AC | St. Petersburg, FL
$125,000 base + bonus up to $125,000 (total earning potential $250,000) + Company Vehicle
Why Hales AC (new first bullet)
We pay for profit. Our annual bonus plan lets you earn up to 100% of your base salary, another $125,000 on top of your pay. The targets are set to be hit, not to look good on paper. If you help us make money, we share it.
We need a builder, not a babysitter.
Hales AC has 40 years of history and thousands of loyal Tampa Bay customers. The name is strong. The operation needs work.
We’re being straight with you: this is a rebuild. Processes need tightening, the team needs a leader they’ll follow, and the numbers need to move. If you’re looking for a quiet seat where you manage a spreadsheet and sit in meetings, this isn’t it.
If you’re the kind of operator who gets on the truck, works the problem with the crew, and wins a little more every day until the whole shop is different, we want to talk.
WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY DO
- Run Service, Install, IAQ, Dispatch, and Warehouse, and own the results
- Spend most of your week in the field, not the office: ride-alongs, job-site checks, and coaching techs in real time
- Fix what’s broken: callbacks, scheduling gaps, sloppy installs, missed opportunities
- Build the team: recruit good techs, develop the ones we have, and move on from the ones who won’t get better
- Drive the numbers techs control: average ticket, close rate, memberships, callback rate, reviews
- Make sure every customer gets options, presented with professionalism and care
- Hold the standard: every job to code, every truck stocked, every customer taken care of
WHO YOU ARE
You’ve done the work yourself. You can walk into a system that won’t cool, find the problem, and teach the tech next to you how you found it. Your guys respect you because you’ve earned it, not because of your title.
You might be:
- A proven HVAC Operations or Service Manager who has turned around a struggling shop or built one from the ground up, or
- A top-tier Lead Tech or Install Lead who already runs the floor unofficially. You train the new guys, everyone calls you with the hard calls, and you’re ready for the keys.
Either way, you bring:
- Deep residential HVAC knowledge: diagnose, install, and train
- A competitive streak: you track the scoreboard and you hate losing
- The ability to coach hard without creating drama
- Urgency: you fix problems today, you don’t wait for a meeting about them
- Belief that presenting the right solution is helping the customer, not pushing them
WHO THIS ISN’T FOR
- People who manage from behind a desk
- People who need everything figured out before they start
- People who blame the team instead of building it
WHY HALES AC
A real chance to make your mark. You’ll be the one who turned it around, and it will show in the numbers.
40-year reputation. Customers already trust the name. You make the operation match it.
All W-2, zero subcontractors. Every tech is ours, so you can actually build a culture.
Ownership in the building. You’ll have direct access to the people who make decisions, with no layers of corporate approval.
Room to grow. Hales is one of three Right Away Group brands. Win here and there’s more to run.
Tools that help. Modern CRM, AI-assisted systems, and documented processes. We invest in this.
Compensation & Benefits
- $125,000 base salary
- Annual bonus up to $125,000 (100% of base), tied to profit and department results. The goals are realistic, and we want to write you that check.
- Total earning potential: $250,000
- Company vehicle + gas card
- Company phone and tablet
- Health, dental, and vision
- PTO and paid holidays
- Advancement across Right Away Group
TERRITORY
Based in St. Petersburg. We serve Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota, and Manatee. Expect to spend 50% or more of your time in the field.
TO APPLY
Skip the corporate cover letter. Tell us about a team or a shop you made better: what was broken, what you did, and what changed.
About Us
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in heating and cooling services in St. Pete, Hales AC is the place for you. Since 1986, we’ve been "The Cool Choice," offering exceptional HVAC services and creating a dynamic work environment for our team members.
Who We Are
Hales AC is dedicated to providing the highest level of reliable service for our customers’ comfort needs, and we extend this dedication to our team. Our workplace is built on integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We believe in investing in our employees, providing ongoing training to keep everyone up-to-date with the latest technology and industry advancements.
We are more than just a service provider; we are a community. Hales AC actively participates in Lennox’s Feel the Love campaign and supports the Special Olympics, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact.
Why Work With Us
At Hales AC, we recognize talent and promote from within, ensuring our team members have ample opportunities for career advancement. We reward hard work and dedication with competitive salaries, great bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. Our supportive and inclusive work environment fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction.
What We Offer
- Career Growth: We believe in nurturing our employees' potential. Many of our team members have advanced into leadership positions, thanks to our commitment to promoting from within.
- Ongoing Training: All our technicians receive continuous training, ensuring you stay at the forefront of industry advancements and technology.
- Community Involvement: Be part of a team that values community service and makes a difference through initiatives like Lennox’s Feel the Love campaign and supporting the Special Olympics.
- Supportive Environment: Our friendly and professional team works together to achieve common goals, providing a supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
- Innovative Products: As a Lennox Premier Dealer, you’ll work with high-tech and innovative products, offering cutting-edge solutions to our customers.
Join Our Team
We’re growing and looking for dedicated professionals committed to delivering the best service. If you’re passionate about the HVAC industry and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking company, Hales AC is the perfect place for you. Join us and build a rewarding career while making a positive impact in the community.