Refrigeration Manager

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

5d•$125,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Refrigeration Manager leads the strategic direction, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of refrigeration systems across Farmer Focus facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable operation of ammonia and Freon-based refrigeration systems while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and technical development within the refrigeration team. The Refrigeration Manager directly oversees the Refrigeration Superintendent and provides guidance to the broader refrigeration team, including leads, technicians, and PSM personnel. This position is instrumental in driving system reliability, performance, and compliance with Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan standards while aligning refrigeration operations with Farmer Focus’s safety, quality, production, and business goals.

Requirements

7 or more years of industrial refrigeration experience, including ammonia systems.
3 or more years of leadership experience managing teams and complex systems.
CARO certification required.
Strong working knowledge of Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan regulations and industry best practices.
Proven experience with high-pressure steam boilers, HVAC systems, compressed air systems, and refrigeration operations.
Ability to provide leadership, coaching, technical guidance, and development support to refrigeration leaders, technicians, and PSM personnel.
Ability to interpret technical documents, schematics, engineering drawings, P&IDs, compliance records, and training documentation.
Experience monitoring system performance, identifying reliability concerns, and leading root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in CMMS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Safety, Engineering, Production, Maintenance, vendors, inspectors, and other internal and external partners.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
RETA CIRO certification.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or French.
Experience overseeing refrigeration operations across multiple facilities.
Experience managing capital projects related to refrigeration, compressed air, or boiler systems.
Experience leading internal audits, external inspections, Process Hazard Analysis, and Management of Change processes.
Experience applying Lean principles or continuous improvement methods within a refrigeration, maintenance, manufacturing, or production environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of refrigeration operations across multiple facilities.
Ensure full compliance with Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan regulations.
Lead and mentor the Refrigeration Superintendent and support the development of refrigeration leads, technicians, and PSM coordinators.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs, standard operating procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Oversee capital projects related to refrigeration, compressed air, and boiler systems.
Collaborate with Safety, Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure refrigeration systems support operational goals.
Monitor system performance and reliability metrics and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and procurement of refrigeration-related equipment and supplies.
Maintain required documentation, including P&IDs, compliance records, training logs, operating procedures, and other refrigeration-related records.
Lead internal audits and participate in external inspections related to refrigeration and safety systems.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives and Lean principles within the refrigeration function.
Lead Process Hazard Analysis and Management of Change processes for refrigeration system changes.
Support emergency response readiness and ensure refrigeration-related safety protocols are maintained.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous development within the refrigeration team.
Perform other duties as assigned.