We are seeking a seasoned and results-driven Senior Utilities Supervisor – HVAC and Refrigeration to lead all aspects of HVAC and refrigeration utility operations in a food-grade environment. The role involves strategic planning, team leadership, regulatory compliance, and system optimization to ensure uninterrupted operation of critical utility infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, supervisory experience, and an understanding of hygiene, food safety, and energy efficiency requirements.
Lead operations and performance management of:
Centralized HVAC systems, chillers, AHUs, cooling towers
Refrigeration systems (Freon/ammonia-based), cold rooms, blast chillers/freezers
Supporting utilities (compressed air, steam, glycol, hot/chilled water)
Ensure HVAC and refrigeration systems maintain optimal environmental conditions to meet food safety and production needs.
Develop and enforce preventive maintenance schedules using CMMS tools.
Analyze trends and conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring failures.
Drive reliability-centered maintenance strategies to improve uptime and reduce unplanned breakdowns.
Ensure utility systems comply with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, FSSC, and internal quality standards.
Oversee control of temperature, air pressure, air filtration, and ventilation in production and storage zones.
Participate in internal/external audits and lead utility-related corrective action plans.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of HVAC/refrigeration technicians and contractors.
Conduct technical training, skill gap assessments, and ensure team competency in safety and food industry protocols.
Lead daily utility team meetings and manage performance KPIs.
Monitor energy consumption (electricity, refrigerants, compressed air) and implement efficiency-improving initiatives.
Recommend and support utility system upgrades, automation, and sustainability projects.
Track and report utility metrics such as energy intensity, refrigerant losses, and uptime ratios.
Lead emergency response for utility-related incidents and participate in cross-functional crisis teams.
Conduct risk assessments, develop SOPs for critical failure responses, and lead post-incident reviews.
Maintain accurate documentation including SOPs, system logs, maintenance records, calibration data, and audit files.
Report utility performance, equipment health, energy consumption, and compliance updates to management.
Utility System Reliability & Equipment Uptime
HVAC and Refrigeration Performance in Cold Chain & Clean Zones
Compliance with Food Safety Standards (GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000)
Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Leadership
Team Development & Technical Supervision
Energy Optimization & Sustainability Planning
Emergency Readiness & Incident Management
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical, Refrigeration, HVAC Engineering, or related technical field.
Minimum 7+ years of experience in HVAC/refrigeration utilities, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or team lead role.
Strong knowledge of ammonia and Freon-based systems, chillers, AHUs, and automated utility control systems.
Proven experience in food processing, cold storage, dairy, beverage, or pharma industries.
Proficient in using CMMS, BMS, and maintenance monitoring systems.
EPA/ASHRAE or equivalent HVAC Technician Certification
Ammonia Refrigeration Safety Certification (if applicable)
Energy Management or Green Building Certification (preferred)
HACCP Level 2 or 3 (preferred)