Project Manager

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Career advancement

Paid time off

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. seeks a seasoned Project Manager to lead large refrigeration projects from inception to commissioning. You will ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery while upholding safety and quality standards, coordinating with owners, general contractors, and engineering teams.

You will manage contracts, schedules, procurement, and multi-disciplinary teams, balancing scope, cost, and schedule with a focus on ammonia/CO2 systems compliance and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related field; equivalent construction PM experience considered.
• 5–7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration or related projects (HVAC, heavy construction).
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Strong negotiation skills to ensure cost-effective procurement and issue resolution within project constraints.
• Ability to make independent business decisions within budget, seeking guidance only for exceptionally difficult issues.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills with multi-project prioritization.
• Strong written and verbal communication with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead large refrigeration construction projects from award through commissioning and punch list.
• Serve as primary client liaison with owners and general contractors.
• Review contracts to ensure scope and terms compliance.
• Coordinate with diverse trades to maintain quality, budget, and timelines.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules aligned with contractor timelines.
• Oversee staffing needs and procurement to ensure on-time delivery of materials and equipment.
• Build relationships with national and local vendors for cost-effective procurement.
• Manage scope changes and maintain customer satisfaction while controlling costs.
• Support engineering teams during design to align with milestones.
• Coordinate with purchasing to monitor material deliveries and schedules.
• Identify and manage project risks in compliance with regulations (ammonia/CO2).
• Maintain records of contracts, changes, schedules, and budgets; provide updates to leadership and clients.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Client communication

Procurement

Risk management

Education

BSME or related field

Construction Management

Tools

CAD

Project management software

Engineering drawings

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO\u2082. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission‑critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world. Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Project Manager to lead large-scale refrigeration projects from inception to commissioning. In this pivotal role, you will ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards, all while meeting customer specifications. Your leadership and organizational expertise will be key to successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Duties

• Lead and manage large-scale refrigeration construction projects from contract award through to commissioning and final punch list completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, including owners and general contractors, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project expectations.
• Review and manage project contracts to ensure compliance with scope, terms, and conditions.
• Collaborate with diverse trades and teams to guarantee projects stay on track in terms of quality, budget, and timelines.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules that align with overall contractor timelines.
• Oversee staffing needs and manage procurement of materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring on-time delivery to project sites.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with both national and local vendors to ensure cost-effective procurement of materials.
• Manage project scope and handle change orders effectively, maintaining customer satisfaction while controlling costs.
• Support engineering teams during the design phase to ensure alignment with project goals and milestones.
• Coordinate with purchasing departments to monitor material deliveries and schedules.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks to ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, particularly concerning ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems.
• Maintain meticulous records of all project aspects, including contracts, change orders, schedules, and budgets, providing regular updates to leadership and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME preferred), Construction Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience in construction project management will be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience managing large-scale industrial refrigeration or related projects (e.g., HVAC, commercial refrigeration, or heavy industrial construction).
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Strong negotiation skills to ensure cost-effective procurement and the ability to solve complex issues independently within project constraints.
• The ability to make independent business decision within budget, seeking guidance only when dealing with exceptionally difficult issues
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage client expectations and provide clear updates on project progress.
• Proficiency in project management software and familiarity with CAD and engineering drawings.

Preferences

• Expertise in ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems, with a deep understanding of relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Engineering License.
• Ability & willingness to travel to construction sites nationwide.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work‑life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services