Project Manager - Refrigeration Biased

Optio Resourcing; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Negotiable rate

Freelance or PAYE

Nationwide projects

Job summary

Optio Resourcing is seeking a refrigeration-biased Project Manager to lead refrigerated fit-outs, refits and new builds for major UK food retailers. You will manage live store projects, coordinate with M&E and building teams, and drive on-site safety and compliance.

The role requires strong PM experience with a refrigeration focus and willingness to travel nationally, with freelance or PAYE options and a January 2027 start.

Qualifications

• PM experience with refrigeration bias required.
• Food retail project experience preferred (Amazon/Co-op/Tesco/Sainsbury's).
• Experience with refrigeration changeovers, cabinet installs and plant works in live stores.

Responsibilities

• Lead refrigeration-led projects in food retail stores.
• Oversee refrigeration installations, cabinet replacements, and plant upgrades.
• Manage programme, budgets, subcontractors and site teams from pre-start to handover.

Skills

Project management

Refrigeration bias

Food retail experience

Driving license

Education

CSCS Black

SMSTS

First Aid

Job description

Project Manager - Refrigeration Biased - Retail Construction

Location: Nationwide / Negotiable

Rate: Negotiable

Type: Freelance or PAYE

Start: January 2027

Optio Resourcing is working with a well-established turnkey retail contractor to recruit a refrigeration-biased Project Manager for a run of food retail projects starting in January.

About the Business

Our client manages construction and refurbishment projects from start to finish for major UK retailers. They keep design, construction, M&E and refrigeration in-house, so you'll be working with experienced teams across every discipline. Refrigeration and Net Zero solutions are a core part of their offering.

The Role

• Managing refrigeration-led projects in food retail stores, including new builds, refits, extensions and refurbishments
• Overseeing refrigeration installations, cabinet replacements, plant upgrades and changeovers in live trading environments
• Managing programme, budgets, subcontractors and site teams from pre-start to handover
• Coordinating refrigeration works alongside building and M&E packages
• Working with store teams and client representatives to keep disruption to trading to a minimum
• Managing commissioning, handover documentation and F-Gas compliance on site

About You

• Proven Project Manager experience with a strong refrigeration bias
• Food retail experience, with Amazon, Co-op, Tesco or Sainsbury's projects preferred
• Experience of refrigeration changeovers, cabinet installs and plant works in live stores
• Black CSCS, SMSTS and First Aid
• Full UK driving licence and happy to travel to projects

What's on Offer

• Negotiable rate or salary
• Freelance or PAYE options
• A long-term pipeline of work with major UK food retailers
• A January 2027 start