Senior Asset Manager - Refrigeration

Job Summary

Senior operational lead responsible for ensuring reliable refrigeration and HVAC performance across a large regional grocery retailer’s store network. Focuses on parallel refrigeration systems and cascade CO2 systems, RDM-driven optimization, DOAS, and packaged HVAC. Provides hands on operational support for critical failures, leads capital and continuous improvement initiatives (non‑design role), mentors field staff, and serves as escalation point for nights/weekend emergencies (expected to answer calls unless on approved vacation).

Provides evidence based operational feedback to the company's refrigeration engineers on failures related to design parameters.

• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of parallel refrigeration systems (compressor sequencing, suction/discharge management, oil control, capacity strategies).
• Diagnose and support cascade CO2 refrigeration systems (including transcritical operation, economizer/receiver management, high side/low side coordination, safe charge practices).
• Use Resource Data Management (RDM) platforms for alarm/event triage, trend analysis, setpoint optimization, and creation of actionable remediation plans.
• Commission and start up refrigeration, DOAS, and packaged HVAC systems; perform functional performance testing and document commissioning reports (design performed by in‑house refrigeration engineers or vendors).
• Perform root cause analysis of recurring or systemic failures; implement corrective actions and preventive measures across stores.
• Provide clear, data backed operational feedback to company refrigeration engineers about failures, performance shortfalls, and design related issues to inform design improvements.
• Lead capital projects and retrofit efforts (approx. 20% of time): develop scope, select vendors, oversee installation quality, manage punch lists, and close out projects (technical design remains with refrigeration engineering).
• Review vendor work, submittals, and change orders for operational impacts and compliance with standards.
• Mentor and train field technicians and contractors; develop and deliver technical training materials and workshops.
• Maintain parts/spares recommendations, tools, and technical documentation; propose inventory and spares strategies to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with store operations, facilities, procurement, safety, and regional leadership to minimize customer impact during repairs and projects.
• Serve as escalation point for complex incidents; provide remote triage and on‑site response when required.
• Participate in emergency call response nights and weekends unless on approved vacation; be reachable and able to provide timely guidance and response.
• Track and report KPIs and success metrics; propose and lead continuous improvement projects based on RDM and field data.

The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job‑related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

• Minimum 8–10 years progressive, hands‑on refrigeration/HVAC experience in retail or multi‑site commercial environments; demonstrated leadership in technical roles and capital projects.
• Direct, documented experience with cascade CO2 systems strongly preferred.

• Hands on expertise with parallel refrigeration systems (multiple compressors, common suction/discharge manifolds, oil management, capacity control strategies).
• Practical experience with cascade CO2 refrigeration systems, including transcritical operation, economizer/receiver management, and safe charge procedures.
• Proficiency with Resource Data Management (RDM) platforms: data visualization, alarm triage, trend analysis, and setpoint/schedule optimization.
• Strong experience with Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS): sequencing, sensible/latent load…