Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Supervisor

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineer to join our Workplace Management Engineering team as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and technical coordinator. This is an off-the-tools management role focused on overseeing the performance, compliance, and lifecycle management of all refrigeration and air conditioning systems across our UK portfolio.

As the technical specialist for chillers, CRAC units, split systems, FCUs, and AHUs, you will manage maintenance programs, ensure regulatory compliance through F-Gas register management, coordinate contractors and specialist service providers, and provide expert technical guidance to site teams and stakeholders. While this is primarily a supervisory and coordination role, you will provide hands-on support during emergency situations when required.

You will act as the Main Point of Contact (MPOC) for all matters relating to refrigeration and air conditioning systems, ensuring optimal system performance, planned maintenance delivery, and swift resolution of technical issues across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Oversight & SME Support

Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all refrigeration and air conditioning systems including chillers, CRAC units, split systems, FCUs, and AHUs

Provide technical guidance and expert advice to site engineering teams, contractors, and stakeholders

Review technical reports, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend solutions for recurring or complex system issues

Monitor system performance data and identify trends, inefficiencies, or potential failures

Provide hands-on technical support during emergency breakdown situations when specialist intervention is required

Support commissioning and handover of new or upgraded systems

Compliance & F-Gas Management

Manage and maintain the F-Gas register in full compliance with UK and EU F-Gas regulations

Ensure all refrigeration and air conditioning systems meet statutory requirements and environmental standards

Coordinate and record leak checks, refrigerant top-ups, system maintenance, and decommissioning activities in accordance with legislative requirements

Conduct compliance audits and maintain up-to-date records for regulatory inspections

Ensure contractors hold valid F-Gas certifications and work in accordance with legal obligations

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Management

Oversee the planning, scheduling, and delivery of PPM programs for all refrigeration and AC systems across the UK portfolio

Ensure PPMs are completed on time, to specification, and in line with manufacturer recommendations and compliance requirements

Monitor contractor performance during planned maintenance activities and ensure quality standards are consistently met

Review and update PPM schedules based on system performance, lifecycle stage, and operational requirements

Identify and escalate any deviations from planned schedules or quality concerns

Lifecycle Management & Repairs

Manage the lifecycle of refrigeration and air conditioning assets, including maintenance strategies, repair planning, and replacement recommendations

Coordinate and oversee reactive and planned repair works, ensuring minimal disruption to building operations

Work with procurement and engineering management to develop capital expenditure plans and system upgrade projects

Maintain comprehensive asset registers, condition assessments, and maintenance histories to support long-term planning

Provide technical input into business cases for system upgrades, replacements, or efficiency improvements

Contractor & Specialist Management

Act as the Main Point of Contact (MPOC) for specialist contractors and service providers for all refrigeration and AC-related works

Brief contractors on site requirements, safety protocols, technical expectations, and quality standards

Monitor contractor performance, SLA compliance, and technical delivery across the portfolio

Manage contractor relationships, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives

Ensure all works are completed safely, on time, to budget, and to the required technical standard

Coordinate and communicate progress updates to internal stakeholders, clients, and building occupants as required

Site Visits & Multi-Site Support

Travel to other UK sites on an as-needed basis to support emergency breakdowns, technical assessments, contractor briefings, or commissioning activities

Provide remote technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and expert advice to site-based teams

Build strong working relationships with site engineering teams, facilities managers, and local personnel

Conduct site inspections and audits to ensure system performance and compliance standards are maintained

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate technical records, including system specifications, service reports, fault logs, and compliance documentation

Prepare performance reports, trend analysis, and recommendations for senior management

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical guidance documents

Ensure all documentation is up to date and accessible for audits, inspections, and operational needs

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

NVQ Level 3 in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning or equivalent technical qualification

F-Gas Category 1 certification (handling all types of refrigerants)

Proven experience managing refrigeration and air conditioning systems including chillers, CRAC units, split systems, FCUs, and AHUs

Strong understanding of F-Gas regulations, compliance requirements, and environmental legislation

Demonstrable experience managing PPM programs and coordinating reactive maintenance across multiple sites

Experience managing and coordinating specialist contractors and service providers

Excellent technical knowledge with the ability to provide expert advice and guidance

Full UK driving license

Desirable

Experience working in a workplace management or facilities management environment

Knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS) and integration with HVAC systems

IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualification

HNC/HND in Building Services Engineering or related discipline

Experience using CAFM systems or maintenance management software

Previous experience in a technical coordination or SME role

Skills & Competencies

Strong technical expertise in refrigeration and air conditioning systems with the ability to provide SME-level guidance

Excellent organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple sites and priorities

Strong contractor and stakeholder management skills with a focus on performance and quality

Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical audiences

Proactive approach to maintenance planning, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement

Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Customer-focused approach with strong relationship-building skills

Ability to work independently and provide technical leadership to site teams

Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices

Flexibility to respond to emergency situations and travel to other UK sites when required