Director - Engineering, Refrigeration & HVAC Systems

Responsibilities

• Align engineering strategy and standards with company objectives, operational needs, sustainability initiatives, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Lead the design and selection of HVAC, refrigeration, controls, and related MEPR systems and equipment for new and existing store projects.
• Serve as the company’s in-house technical authority for refrigeration, HVAC, controls, and related building systems.
• Partner with Facilities teams to support preventive maintenance strategies, equipment lifecycle planning, energy management initiatives, and refrigerant compliance programs.
• Support Construction teams through commissioning, startup, and project turnover processes to ensure systems perform as intended.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and approved equipment programs across the store portfolio.
• Act as a technical resource and partner to Design Project Managers, Construction Project Managers, and Facilities Managers throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering specialists and project managers while managing relationships with external engineering consultants and vendors.
• Develop and oversee testing and pilot programs for new MEPR technologies, equipment, and systems to improve operational performance, reliability, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support the development and optimization of refrigeration fixtures and related store equipment.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, refrigerant regulations, energy efficiency programs, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience within a multi-site retail, grocery, distribution, or commercial environment, including leadership responsibility for HVAC, refrigeration, and building automation systems.
• Experience managing internal teams, external engineering consultants, and vendor relationships.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, controls, building automation systems, and related MEPR infrastructure.
• Familiarity with refrigerant regulations, sustainability initiatives, energy management strategies, and evolving industry standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical and non-technical documents including blueprints, specifications, contracts, operating procedures, and maintenance documentation.
• Strong understanding of store equipment, commissioning processes, and operational impacts of engineering system performance.
• Ability to communicate company standards and technical requirements clearly and effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business and operational solutions.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and strong in follow-through and execution.