Refrigeration Technician

SUMMARY:
Purpose of the Role:
To oversee and execute turnkey projects in commercial refrigeration, HVAC, and building management systems, particularly within the retail supermarket and commercial sectors. The ideal candidate will manage design, sales, project delivery, and team coordination while contributing to innovation in energy and control solutions.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:
Project Management & Delivery

• Manage complete project lifecycle – from design, costing, sales, and procurement to installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Oversee retail fit-outs including refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BMS, racking, and backup systems.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Monitor and implement project-specific energy and building management systems (e.g. Carel, Eliwell, REMS).
• Lead project planning, subcontractor supervision, site inspections, and quality assurance.

• Design commercial and industrial refrigeration systems including CO₂, Freon, multiplex, simplex, and closed-loop water-cooled systems.
• Drive adoption of energy-efficient solutions (VFDs, EEVs, BMS integration).
• Implement control and monitoring platforms with Modbus, TCP/IP and wireless integrations.

• Manage technicians, project teams, and subcontractors across multiple regions.
• Support new business development efforts through client engagement and sales support.
• Oversee procurement, budgeting, and cost forecasting for equipment and services.
• Train and develop technical staff and lead internal engineering support.

• Present refrigeration and energy management solutions to retail clients, engineers, and contractors.
• Provide ongoing technical support and relationship management to key accounts.
• Promote energy-saving innovations to achieve measurable ROI for clients.

• Proven ability to manage multi-site commercial and retail projects.
• Expertise in refrigeration (Freon, CO₂), HVAC, energy systems, and BMS controls.
• Comprehensive understanding of gas compliance and certification standards as per SAQCC and Pressure Equipment Regulations.
• Knowledge of ODS Regulations, environmental standards, and refrigerant transition protocols.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Site, subcontractor, and maintenance team management.
• Energy efficiency planning and demand-side management.

• Microsoft Office Suite
• MS Project
• Basic AutoCAD
• CRM Systems (Various)
• Refrigeration control systems (Carel, Eliwell)
• Energy and monitoring platforms (REMS)

• National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or similar (preferred)
• SAQCC Gas Registered Practitioner – Essential
• Category B: Refrigeration Mechanic (for hands-on system installation, commissioning, and servicing)
• Category C: Industrial Refrigeration Practitioner (for large-scale, complex systems design and project oversight)
• Refrigerant Handling License – Safe Handling of Refrigerants Certificate (in compliance with South African Pressure Equipment Regulations) – Essential
• UCT Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Certificate
• AutoCAD & MicroStation Powerdraft Certificate
• Carel Controller Training (Intro Level)

• Retail Supermarkets (Spar, Boxer, Shoprite, etc.)
• Food Processing & Storage (Butcheries, Dairies, Bakeries)
• Commercial Fit-Outs
• Healthcare Facilities
• General Retail Outlets