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
Salary description
£40000.00 - £63000.00 per year