We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Director – Refrigeration and HVAC Services to lead the design, maintenance, compliance, and optimization of all HVAC and refrigeration systems across our facilities portfolio. This role will oversee daily operations, large-scale projects, contractor/vendor management, and regulatory adherence while championing energy efficiency, reliability, and cost control.
This leadership role is essential in ensuring temperature-sensitive operations, such as food processing, pharmaceutical storage, cold chain logistics, and climate-controlled manufacturing, function at peak efficiency and reliability.
Define and implement long-term strategies for HVAC and refrigeration system performance, reliability, and compliance.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for uptime, energy usage, system efficiency, maintenance response times, and regulatory adherence.
Guide capital improvement planning and long-term infrastructure investments.
Manage the performance and maintenance of all refrigeration (ammonia, CO₂, Freon-based systems) and HVAC equipment including chillers, air handlers, compressors, evaporators, condensers, and cooling towers.
Ensure optimal operation of temperature control systems, humidity management, and ventilation systems in line with operational demands.
Implement preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance programs using CMMS platforms.
Lead capital and retrofit projects involving refrigeration system design, capacity upgrades, and controls modernization.
Oversee vendor and contractor selection, negotiations, and performance evaluation.
Ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and engineering specifications.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal codes and regulations including EPA, OSHA, ASHRAE, and IIAR standards.
Maintain accurate records for inspections, refrigerant tracking, leak detection logs, and risk management plans.
Champion safety initiatives related to ammonia systems, refrigerant handling, confined spaces, and lockout/tagout procedures.
Identify and lead energy optimization initiatives across HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Work with energy management teams to benchmark energy consumption and improve operational efficiency.
Integrate automation and smart controls to enhance monitoring, scheduling, and system responsiveness.
Lead a multidisciplinary team of HVAC technicians, refrigeration mechanics, engineers, and controls specialists.
Foster a high-performance culture through training, mentoring, and development programs.
Promote collaboration with internal departments (QA, EHS, Operations, Engineering) and external stakeholders.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, HVAC Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Professional licenses and certifications highly desirable (e.g., PE, Certified Refrigeration Service Engineer, CEM, IIAR, EPA Universal Technician Certification).
Experience:
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in refrigeration and HVAC system operations, with 5+ years in a leadership or director-level role.
Extensive experience managing large refrigeration systems in cold storage, food processing, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or logistics environments.
Technical Skills:
In-depth knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia, CO₂, cascade, glycol), HVAC design principles, controls, and thermodynamics.
Proficiency in CMMS, BMS/BAS platforms, and energy monitoring tools.
Familiarity with IIAR, ASHRAE, EPA Section 608, and relevant safety/environmental regulations.
Strategic thinker with strong technical expertise in refrigeration and HVAC
Skilled leader with excellent people management and communication abilities
Proficient in capital project execution, cost control, and vendor management
Strong commitment to compliance, safety, and operational excellence
Analytical and data-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement