Refrigeration Construction Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Refrigeration Technology Consortium (RTC), a subsidiary of DC Engineering, is a specialized consulting and project delivery organization focused on refrigeration infrastructure, refrigerant transition strategies, facility modernization, and capital project execution. 

RTC is seeking a highly experienced Senior Refrigeration Construction Project Manager to lead complex refrigeration construction and infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction, startup, and project closeout. The ideal candidate is a refrigeration construction professional who understands how projects are successfully delivered in the field. This individual will serve as the primary leader for turnkey client projects, coordinating contractors, engineering teams, vendors, permitting agencies, and client stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can confidently move between the construction site, design review meetings, and executive-level client discussions. Successful candidates will bring extensive refrigeration installation and construction experience, strong construction management capabilities, and exceptional communication skills.

What You'll Do:

Lead Construction Execution

• Manage refrigeration and infrastructure projects through all phases of execution.
• Coordinate project activities from planning and design through construction, startup, and closeout.
• Conduct site visits to monitor construction progress, verify field conditions, and address issues proactively.
• Lead project kickoff meetings and construction coordination meetings.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project specifications.
• Support commissioning and final project turnover activities.

Coordinate Refrigeration Installation Projects

• Oversee refrigeration contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and construction partners throughout project execution.
• Review installation plans, construction schedules, and contractor work plans.
• Monitor installation quality, contractor performance, and adherence to project milestones.
• Identify and resolve field challenges that may impact schedule, budget, or project objectives.
• Coordinate construction activities to minimize disruption to facility operations whenever possible.

Serve as the Communication Hub Between Clients and Engineering Teams

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate communication between clients, engineering teams, contractors, facility personnel, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead client meetings and provide regular updates regarding project status, schedules, budgets, risks, and next steps.
• Translate technical information into actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships that support successful project outcomes and long-term client partnerships.

Support Engineering and Design Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering teams during project planning, design reviews, and construction support activities.
• Review project designs and specifications to ensure alignment with constructability, operational requirements, and client objectives.
• Coordinate design changes and maintain project documentation throughout execution.
• Support value engineering and constructability reviews.

Manage Project Schedules, Budgets, and Risk

• Develop and maintain project schedules and milestone tracking.
• Review contractor proposals, bids, change orders, and cost estimates.
• Monitor project financial performance and communicate budget status to clients and leadership.
• Identify schedule and cost risks and develop mitigation plans to maintain project objectives.

Coordinate Permitting and Compliance Activities

• Support permitting efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Track permit approvals and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure projects comply with refrigeration, environmental, safety, and building regulations.
• Assist clients in navigating refrigerant transition and compliance initiatives.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• 10-15+ years of experience managing refrigeration construction, installation, commissioning, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing industrial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, cold storage, food processing, distribution, or related facility projects.
• Strong knowledge of refrigeration systems, construction practices, contractor coordination, and field execution.
• Proven success managing contractors and construction activities on complex capital projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience coordinating effectively between clients, engineering teams, contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with project scheduling and project management software.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent industry credential.
• Experience with refrigerant transition initiatives and modernization projects.
• Familiarity with EPA regulations, the AIM Act, environmental compliance requirements, and refrigeration industry standards.
• Experience supporting clients in cold storage, food processing, industrial refrigeration, distribution, or retail environments.

Critical Success Factors:

Success in this role is driven by three key capabilities:

Construction Management Experience

Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through planning, construction, commissioning, and closeout while managing schedules, budgets, contractors, and project risks.

Refrigeration Installation & Construction Expertise

Deep understanding of refrigeration systems, field installation practices, construction sequencing, and contractor coordination.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively between clients, engineering teams, contractors, vendors, facility personnel, and regulatory agencies.

Why Join RTC?

• Lead high-impact refrigeration construction and infrastructure projects across North America.
• Join a specialized refrigeration consulting and project delivery team supported by the resources and expertise of DC Engineering.
• Work directly with leading organizations in cold storage, food processing, distribution, retail, and industrial refrigeration.
• Influence projects from concept development through construction and commissioning.
• Play a key role in helping clients navigate the future of refrigeration infrastructure and refrigerant transition.

DC Engineering Benefits:

DC Engineering offers competitive compensation and benefit package that includes:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• FSA, HSA Plans
• Company-paid Term Life Insurance Policy
• Company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company contributions
• Leave benefits including Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay