Project Manager – Industrial Refrigeration

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager – Industrial Refrigeration to lead and oversee complex industrial refrigeration projects from initial award through engineering, design, procurement, fabrication, construction, commissioning, and final project closeout.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration (NH3) systems, proven project management experience, and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously.

This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contractual requirements and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead and manage all phases of industrial refrigeration projects, including engineering, design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and closeout.

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring successful execution and customer satisfaction.

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, resource requirements, and deliverables.

• Monitor project performance, financial results, and progress against established milestones.

• Identify project risks, implement mitigation strategies, and manage scope changes.

• Coordinate engineering, purchasing, fabrication, field construction, and quality control activities.

• Resolve technical, scheduling, construction, commissioning, and warranty-related issues.

• Ensure compliance with project specifications, contractual obligations, and established quality standards.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication and successful project delivery.

• Communicate project updates, schedules, budgets, and potential challenges to customers and internal stakeholders.

• Lead project kickoff meetings, progress reviews, and technical discussions.

• Participate in proposal development, project planning, and scope negotiations.

• Support negotiations with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, and other project partners.

Technical Leadership & Engineering Coordination

• Oversee technical aspects of industrial ammonia refrigeration projects.

• Review and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), block flow diagrams, technical specifications, and refrigeration drawings.

• Participate in engineering design reviews, HAZOP studies, and technical problem-solving discussions.

• Coordinate equipment procurement, material requisitions, fabrication schedules, inspections, and delivery.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior project engineers and project team members.

• Support field commissioning, system startup, and troubleshooting when required.

• Ensure proper installation practices and compliance with applicable industry codes and standards.

Financial Management & Project Controls

• Manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and financial performance.

• Monitor project profitability and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies.

• Maintain accurate project reporting, including schedules, cost tracking, and progress updates.

• Evaluate change orders and manage scope modifications.

• Implement corrective actions when projects deviate from established budgets or timelines.

• Maintain project risk management plans and communicate potential issues to leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the industrial ammonia refrigeration industry.

• Demonstrated project management experience overseeing industrial refrigeration projects.

• Strong understanding of ammonia (NH3) refrigeration systems and related mechanical equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, block flow diagrams, engineering specifications, and refrigeration drawings.

• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements for facilities utilizing ammonia refrigeration.

• Knowledge of industrial refrigeration piping installation, fittings, and industry-standard piping practices.

• Understanding of refrigeration piping systems, including:

  • High-side and low-side systems

  • Booster discharge and compressor discharge

  • Economizing and equalizing systems

  • High-pressure liquid and pumped liquid

  • Condenser drain systems

• Familiarity with industrial refrigeration equipment manufacturers, including Frick, Mayekawa, Howden, GEA, Evapco, RVS, Alfa Laval, and Vogt.

• Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration control and isolation valves, including Danfoss, Hansen Technologies, and R/S.

• Familiarity with ammonia detection systems.

• Understanding of polystyrene insulation installation practices.

• Familiarity with MIRO or PHP piping support systems.

• Knowledge of International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) standards and bulletins.

• Experience with industrial refrigeration applications in food processing facilities, poultry and beef processing plants, and cold storage warehouses.

• Knowledge of job-site safety procedures, including PPE requirements, toolbox meetings, and daily safety inspections.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience managing large-scale or highly customized industrial refrigeration projects.

• Strong background in engineering coordination, equipment procurement, fabrication, and field construction.

• Experience working with food manufacturing, meat processing, poultry processing, and refrigerated warehouse operations.

• Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and customer expectations.

• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience mentoring technical project teams.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment & Travel

• Fast-paced professional environment with multiple concurrent projects and time-sensitive deadlines.

• Occasional travel to customer sites for project planning, scope verification, construction coordination, commissioning, and startup support.

• Domestic and international travel may be required.

• Must be comfortable working in both office and industrial job-site environments.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong, hands-on Project Manager with extensive industrial ammonia refrigeration experience and a proven ability to manage complex projects from start to finish.

This individual is comfortable working directly with customers, leading cross-functional project teams, managing budgets and schedules, and resolving technical challenges.

We are looking for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who takes ownership of project results, prioritizes safety and quality, and cons