Refrigeration Program Project Manager

The Kroger Co.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kroger Co. is seeking a seasoned Refrigeration and Mechanical Project Lead to drive enterprise-wide solutions. You will develop detailed scopes, train teams, and supervise startup activities to ensure reliable and consistent implementations across divisions.

You will spearhead pilot projects, analyze life-cycle costs, and coordinate with MEP engineers and vendors. A strong background in HVAC/refrigeration and at least 10 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 10+ years relevant experience.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to prepare basic financial analysis; manage multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, manage and maintain effective teams to accomplish goals.
• Work cross functionally to develop solutions to refrigeration and mechanical issues; develop scope and training materials.
• Coordinate and attend new refrigeration system startups to ensure reliability, consistency and overall success.
• Develop and implement pilot projects testing new and alternative technologies.
• Support, train and provide guidance to division and regional engineering teams.
• Develop specifications, scope documents and complete technical due diligence for rollout of projects.
• Survey field installations, Project Managers, design and installation professionals for feedback improving refrigeration designs.
• Investigate new and innovative technology.
• Prepare financial analysis (i.e. internal rate of return, net present value, and simple pay back) for potential projects and perform 10-year life cycle analysis.
• Research information and technical data to support mechanical design, procurement, and energy departments.
• Manage projects through direct communication with project managers, store planning and procurement.
• Assist in the development and communication of Refrigeration and HVAC application conventions.
• Travel independently up to 50%.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Technical writing

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil or related Engineering

Job description

Be at the forefront of innovation, working cross-functionally to tackle refrigeration and mechanical issues. Develop comprehensive scopes and training materials to implement solutions across the enterprise, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Spearhead pilot projects, testing new and alternative technologies, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Supporting, training, and guiding division and regional engineering teams will be a key part of the role, fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable environment. Develop detailed specifications, scope documents, and perform technical due diligence for project rollouts. Coordinating and supervising new refrigeration system startups will be paramount to ensure reliability, consistency and overall success. Gather feedback from field installations and design professionals to continuously improve refrigeration designs. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Build, manage and maintain effective teams to accomplish goals.
• Work cross functionally to develop solutions to refrigeration and mechanical issues. Develop scope and training materials to implement across the enterprise.
• Coordinate and attend new refrigeration system startups to ensure reliability, consistency and overall success.
• Develop and implement pilot projects testing new and alternative technologies.
• Support, train and provide guidance to division and regional engineering teams.
• Develop specifications, scope documents and complete technical due diligence for rollout of projects.
• Survey field installations, Project Managers, design and installation professionals for feedback improving refrigeration designs.
• Investigate new and innovative technology.
• Prepare financial analysis (i.e. internal rate of return, net present value, and simple pay back) for potential projects and perform 10-year life cycle analysis.
• Research and determine alternative solutions for non-routine and challenging assignments.
• Communicate with Constructions Manager, Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineers and vendors to resolve engineering related issues.
• Research information and technical data to support mechanical design, procurement, and energy departments.
• Manage projects through direct communication with project managers, store planning and procurement.
• Assist in the development and communication of Refrigeration and HVAC application conventions.
• Travel independently up to 50%.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, Construction, Electrical or other Engineering.
• 10+ years relevant experience
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prepare basic financial analysis; manage multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Technical writing skills

Desired Qualifications

• Strong mechanical and electrical knowledge
• Knowledge of HVAC and Refrigeration fundamentals
• Demonstrate a high level of understanding of mechanical planning principles, equipment function, in-store work methods, maintenance, construction practices, corporate design objectives and specific division requirements