Job Title: Refrigeration Manager
Location: Central Nebraska (on-site)
Compensation: Up to $110,000 base (top of range) + year-end discretionary bonus
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Relocation Assistance: Available.

Overview:

A national food manufacturing company seeks an experienced Refrigeration Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of ammonia refrigeration systems in a high-volume production facility. This role leads a team of technicians and plays a critical part in maintaining production continuity, regulatory compliance, and facility safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise daily operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of ammonia-based refrigeration systems.
• Conduct and document preventive maintenance on refrigeration, boiler, and auxiliary systems.
• Diagnose and resolve system failures and electrical/mechanical malfunctions.
• Oversee and perform daily inspections of high- and low-pressure boilers.
• Coordinate Process Safety Management (PSM) activities and audits for refrigeration and boiler systems.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, inspection records, and digital documentation.
• Support Risk Management Plan (RMP) compliance and contractor safety programs.
• Manage system performance monitoring, including temperature and pressure readings.
• Train and mentor maintenance staff; promote safety, morale, and continuous improvement.
• Respond to 24/7 emergency calls as needed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum 5+ years of ammonia refrigeration experience in a manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Proven supervisory or lead experience in maintenance or refrigeration.
• Hands-on knowledge of refrigeration, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Familiarity with PSM, RMP, and HazMat protocols.
• Ability to read schematics, perform diagnostics, and execute repairs independently.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Preferred:

• RETA Level I–III or equivalent certifications.
• Boiler operation certification and/or confined space training.
• Experience conducting or assisting in safety audits and compliance reporting.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• On-site, industrial plant setting with exposure to cold/refrigerated environments and confined spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs and perform physical maintenance work safely.
• Requires occasional overtime and emergency response availability.

Why Join:

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity within a stable, privately held manufacturing organization known for its strong culture of safety, teamwork, and long-term employee retention. The company offers competitive compensation, full medical and dental benefits, and a retirement plan.

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

Christian Kincer