Lead the Next Chapter of Growth
Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning, a highly respected family-owned HVAC company serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 65 years, is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to help lead its next chapter of growth. Reporting to the President/CEO and working closely with the leadership team, the COO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organization.
Why Burkholder’s
At Burkholder's Heating & Air Conditioning, our reputation has been built on exceptional service, quality workmanship, and lasting relationships with our customers, employees, and community. As a family-owned business, we take pride in our values of professionalism, integrity, honesty, and fairness, which guide how we serve our customers and support our team.
We are committed to delivering outstanding service while creating a workplace where employees are valued, empowered to make an impact, and encouraged to grow. Through collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence, we continue to build on the strong foundation that has made Burkholder successful.
About the Opportunity
Burkholder’s HVAC is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organization. This individual will partner closely with ownership and department leaders to drive operational excellence, improve processes, develop leaders, and create the structure needed to support continued growth. The ideal candidate is a visible, engaged and collaborative leader who can balance strategic vision with execution while fostering a culture of customer-first mindset, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight across service, installation, commercial projects, warehouse, purchasing, dispatch, and other key operational functions.
- Align teams around shared goals to drive operational excellence, exceptional customer service, and sustainable growth.
- Identify opportunities to enhance processes, increase efficiency, and build scalable systems that support company growth.
- Partner with ownership and leadership to evolve the organization while preserving its values, culture, and reputation.
Leadership & Team Development
- Develop and coach department leaders to strengthen accountability, performance, and leadership capability.
- Establish effective operating rhythms, communication practices, and performance metrics to drive alignment and execution.
- Build a culture of continuous improvement by developing talent, identifying future leaders, and supporting succession planning.
Business Performance & Process Improvement
- Utilize operational and financial metrics to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and support informed decision-making.
- Lead planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation efforts to support business objectives.
- Drive improvements in processes, technology, and systems that enhance visibility, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, safety, accountability, and commitment to quality.
Qualifications
- 10-15+ years of progressive operational leadership experience within HVAC, mechanical services, construction, field service, manufacturing, distribution, or related industries.
- Demonstrated success leading multiple departments and developing managers in a growing organization.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, KPIs, labor productivity, job costing, and operational performance.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, engineering, construction management, or a related field preferred; equivalent senior-level operational leadership experience will be considered.
- Proven ability to build structure, processes, and accountability within a growing organization.
- Experience working closely with ownership, executive leadership, or a board.
- Experience leading an organization or business unit with 50+ employees and operations in the $10 million–$50 million revenue range preferred.
- Proven ability to build structure, improve processes, establish accountability, and lead organizational growth.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build credibility with leaders, office employees, technicians, and field teams.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel locally to company locations, customer sites, and project sites as needed.
- Ability to work onsite in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
Preferred Qualifications
- Leadership experience within HVAC, mechanical contracting, skilled trades, construction, or another field service environment strongly preferred.
- Experience with residential and commercial service operations, maintenance agreements, installation, project management, dispatch, purchasing, inventory, warehouse operations, or field labor management.
- Experience within a family-owned or privately held company.
- Experience implementing or optimizing field-service technology, operational systems, or business intelligence tools.
Compensation & Benefits
Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers a competitive executive compensation package designed to attract an accomplished operational leader. The anticipated package includes:
- Base salary up to $200,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to achieve performance expectations
- Performance-based bonus or incentive opportunity
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Retirement plan with company contribution
- Paid time off and company-paid holidays
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Cell phone and other business-related resources
- Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate
- Additional executive benefits to be discussed during the interview process
The final compensation package will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the position.
Applications for this position will be accepted until August 21, 2026.
Pay: Up to $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Will you be able to reliably commute to Emmaus, PA 18049 for this position, or are you willing to relocate?
Experience:
- Senior leadership: 10 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
