Refrigeration Supervisor

Bellisio Foods; Jackson (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bellisio Foods Inc. is seeking a Refrigeration Supervisor to lead the refrigeration operations essential to food production and cold storage. You will direct staff, enforce safety and quality standards, and coordinate preventive maintenance with maintenance and production teams.

The role emphasizes monitoring system performance, managing logs, and ensuring compliance with PSM and RMP. It requires hands-on supervision in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Industrial refrigeration experience; 2–5 years preferred.
• Experience leading a team or supervising employees.
• Familiarity with PSM/RMP requirements applicable to refrigeration operations.
• Able to read equipment manuals, diagrams, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead refrigeration operations and supervise assigned staff.
• Enforce safety policies, HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and proper maintenance practices.
• Oversee refrigeration equipment and related controls.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, and alarms to maintain production conditions.
• Plan preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with maintenance, production, sanitation, quality, and warehouse teams.

Skills

Leadership

Safety focus

Planning & organizing

Communication

Conflict resolution

Flexibility

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Accountability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

RETA certification or refrigeration training

Tools

MS Office

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

Job description

The Refrigeration Supervisor is responsible for the direction and leadership of refrigeration operations and assigned employees. Under the direction of the Plant Manager, this position oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of industrial refrigeration systems supporting food production and cold storage. Responsibilities include coordinating maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining required documentation, and supporting product quality and food safety.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Model and enforce company safety policies, HACCP procedures, GMPs, SSOPs, and safe refrigeration maintenance practices.
• Supervise, lead, train, and support refrigeration employees to ensure safe work practices and effective equipment operation.
• Oversee refrigeration systems and associated equipment, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, piping, and controls.
• Monitor system temperatures, pressures, operating conditions, and alarms to maintain appropriate production and storage conditions.
• Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot refrigeration equipment and control issues and coordinate corrective actions with maintenance personnel, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Support applicable Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Program (RMP) activities, including inspections, maintenance records, operating procedures, and employee training.
• Ensure employees follow lockout/tagout, equipment isolation, and other applicable safety procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness and respond to refrigeration alarms and equipment failures according to established procedures and employee training.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with production, sanitation, quality, and warehouse teams to protect food safety and limit operational disruptions.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, inspection records, work orders, and maintenance documentation.
• Manage inventory of refrigeration parts, supplies, tools, and materials.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and operating costs.
• Manage employee attendance and performance; provide coaching, recognition, counseling, and corrective action in coordination with Human Resources.
• Evaluate employees during their introductory period and identify training and development needs.
• Schedule employees and review and approve payroll hours, overtime, and time-off requests.
• Coordinate contractor work and verify that assigned work meets company safety and performance expectations.

Characteristics and Attributes

• Leadership and teamwork: Establish clear expectations, develop employees, and work effectively across departments.
• Technical problem-solving: Identify equipment issues, determine causes, and coordinate effective repairs.
• Safety focus: Recognize hazards and consistently reinforce safe operating and maintenance practices.
• Planning and organization: Prioritize work, schedule maintenance, allocate resources, and follow through on assignments.
• Communication: Clearly explain operating conditions, maintenance needs, safety concerns, and work expectations.
• Conflict resolution: Address concerns fairly and professionally while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Flexibility: Adjust priorities to meet changing production demands and equipment needs.
• Performance under pressure: Make sound decisions during equipment failures and urgent operating conditions.
• Continuous improvement: Identify practical improvements to system performance, maintenance practices, and energy use.
• Accountability: Maintain accurate records, follow established procedures, and ensure assigned work is completed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two to five years of industrial refrigeration experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, mechanical equipment, electrical controls, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems preferred.
• Familiarity with PSM and RMP requirements as applicable to refrigeration operations.
• Understanding of food manufacturing GMPs and food safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, piping diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with computerized maintenance management systems preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function effectively under pressure.
• Relevant RETA certification or equivalent refrigeration training preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours and participate in on-call coverage as needed.
• Ability to work in cold environments and lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Bellisio Foods provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.