Project Manager Industrial Refrigeration

Caledonian Recruitment Group Ltd; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm specializing in engineering roles is seeking a Project Manager for large-scale industrial refrigeration projects. You will oversee all project lifecycles, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure safe delivery of tailored cooling solutions using advanced technologies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Engineering, proven leadership skills, and experience with ammonia or CO₂ systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong individual looking to make a significant impact in the industry.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale industrial refrigeration projects.
• Strong technical understanding of HVAC and industrial cooling technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute robust project plans.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across engineering and design.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure strong cost control.

Skills

Project management expertise

Technical understanding of refrigeration

Leadership and communication skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Project Manager to join our clients industrial cooling division, delivering large-scale refrigeration and cooling projects across sectors including food manufacturing, data centres, and distribution facilities.

We can consider various locations for this position.

This role is ideal for a technically strong, commercially aware Project Manager with experience delivering major industrial installations. You will lead projects from initial concept and design through to commissioning and handover, ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful delivery of bespoke cooling solutions using advanced technologies and natural refrigerants such as Ammonia (NH₃) and CO₂.

You will be responsible for overseeing complex project lifecycles, managing multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining strong communication with internal stakeholders and key clients. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a specialist division delivering high-value industrial refrigeration solutions across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Delivery

Develop and execute robust project plans in line with client requirements and industry best practice.

Work closely with Service Managers to support the delivery of service-related project works.

Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and key milestones for large-scale refrigeration installations.

Coordinate specialist personnel, heavy plant, and extensive material and equipment requirements.

Track progress across multi-phase projects, managing risks and resolving issues promptly.

Drive safe working practices throughout all stages of project delivery.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, design, installation, and commissioning.

Manage subcontractor performance and ensure effective integration with internal teams.

Champion continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and accountability.

Hold regular coordination meetings for teams working on major industrial installations.

Commercial & Financial Management

Monitor financial performance and ensure strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

Work closely with commercial and finance teams on invoicing, reporting, and contractual compliance.

Manage substantial project budgets and support financial governance on high-value contracts.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Maintain strict quality standards and ensure all outputs meet regulatory, compliance, and client expectations.

Promote adherence to all health, safety, and environmental requirements, particularly for ammonia and CO₂ refrigeration systems.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, providing clear and consistent communication.

Proactively manage client expectations, resolving issues swiftly to ensure satisfaction.

Support business growth by identifying opportunities for repeat work and future project partnerships.

Requirements

Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline (advanced qualifications beneficial).

Proven experience leading large-scale industrial refrigeration projects, ideally including ammonia or large CO₂ systems.

Strong technical understanding of refrigeration, HVAC, and industrial cooling technologies.

Demonstrable project management expertise including planning, risk management, resource allocation, and financial oversight.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.

Proficiency with project management tools and reporting software.

Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations relating to industrial refrigeration