Refrigeration Manager

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

HSA and FSA

Education reimbursement

EAP and learning programs

Job summary

Farmer Focus seeks a experienced Refrigeration Manager to lead refrigeration operations across multiple facilities. You will drive safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance for ammonia and Freon‑based systems while guiding the refrigeration team and coordinating with safety, engineering, and production colleagues.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, capital project oversight, and a culture of technical excellence, with on‑site work at plant locations and minimal travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial refrigeration, including ammonia systems.
• 3+ years in leadership managing teams and complex systems.
• Experience with PSM and Risk Management Plan regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of refrigeration operations across multiple facilities.
• Ensure compliance with PSM and Risk Management Plan regulations.
• Lead and mentor refrigeration leaders, technicians, and PSM personnel.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs, SOPs, and emergency protocols.
• Oversee capital projects related to refrigeration, air, and boiler systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align with production goals.
• Drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Cross-functional work

CMMS knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

RETA CIRO certification

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Refrigeration Manager

Department: Refrigeration / Maintenance
Reports To: Head of Maintenance
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: On Plant / Assigned Location(s)
Work Arrangement: On‑Site
Shift / Schedule: Full‑time
Travel Requirements: Minimal travel between facilities as needed

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Refrigeration Manager leads the strategic direction, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of refrigeration systems across Farmer Focus facilities. This role ensures 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 manager directly oversees the Refrigeration Superintendent and provides guidance to the broader refrigeration team, including leads, technicians, and PSM personnel. The position drives system reliability, performance, and compliance with Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan standards, aligning refrigeration operations with the company’s safety, quality, production, and business goals.

Key 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.

Compensation

Compensation Range: $125,000 – $150,000
Additional Compensation: KPI‑based incentives.

Benefits

Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members’ health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi‑subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match, HSA and FSA, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs. All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

Work is conducted primarily in a manufacturing and production environment across Farmer Focus facilities. This role requires the ability to access refrigeration areas, maintenance areas, production areas, mechanical spaces, and outdoor work areas as needed. The team member must be able to tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions within the plant. GMP and safety personal protective equipment are required while inside the plant. This role requires fine hand and finger dexterity and the ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms. The selected candidate must be able to pass a fitness test, wear a full‑face respirator, and remain clean shaven with no more than 24 hours of facial hair growth. This position requires willingness to participate on the PSM and safety committee, willingness to be part of the Hazmat team, and compliance with all safety rules and instructions, including participation in company training programs and continuous skill development. Limited travel between facilities may be required to support refrigeration operations, meetings, collaboration, inspections, and team coverage. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

Farmers Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected status.