Project Supervisor

1. Organizational Design

Job Title:

Project Supervisor

Department:

Refrigeration Systems

Job Code:

-

Section:

Projects

Job Grade:

-

Sector:

Industrial Refrigeration & Cold Storage

Subordinates:

-

Sup-Sector:

-

Promotion Cycle:

-

2. Job Summary

The Project Supervisor (Refrigeration Projects) is responsible for overseeing the technical execution of refrigeration projects, including installation, commissioning, and maintenance of cold storage, food processing, pharmaceutical cooling, and industrial refrigeration systems. The role involves hands-on supervision of technicians and subcontractors, ensuring adherence to safety standards, project timelines, and quality control.

Area of Work

Job Location

• On site

• Saudi Arabia

3. Job Detailed Responsibilities

Executive/Technical (directly related to the work environment):
1. Refrigeration System Installation & Execution
• Supervise the installation of ammonia (NH₃) and Freon (R134a, R404a, R507) refrigeration systems.
• Oversee piping layout, welding, brazing, and insulation work for refrigeration lines.
• Monitor the proper mounting and connection of compressors, evaporators, condensers, and expansion valves.
• Ensure alignment and vibration testing of compressors and motors.
• Manage the installation of cold room panels, pressure relief vents, and air circulation units.
2. Refrigeration Piping & System Commissioning
• Lead the installation of high and low-pressure refrigerant piping systems, including:
• Suction, discharge, liquid, and hot gas defrost lines.
• Oil return systems for large-scale ammonia refrigeration.
• Secondary cooling loops (glycol/brine-based systems).
• Conduct pressure testing and leak detection using nitrogen and electronic leak detectors.
• Ensure proper vacuuming, dehydration, and refrigerant charging for new systems.
• Perform valve adjustments, superheat settings, and ensure optimal system performance.
3. Electrical & Control Systems Supervision
• Oversee the installation of control panels, electrical wiring, and automation systems for refrigeration plants.
• Ensure proper setup of PLC-based refrigeration controllers (Danfoss, CAREL, Siemens, Schneider Electric).
• Verify electrical load balancing, circuit breaker settings, and motor startup sequencing.
• Supervise installation and calibration of temperature probes, pressure transducers, and humidity sensors.
• Manage SCADA system integration for remote refrigeration plant monitoring.
4. Safety & Ammonia Leak Prevention
• Ensure compliance with Saudi Civil Defense safety regulations.
• Oversee installation of ammonia leak detection systems, emergency shutoff valves, and explosion-proof electrical components.
• Conduct safety drills and emergency response training for technicians.
5. Cold Storage Facility Setup & Optimization
• Monitor cold storage insulation and vapor barrier integrity to prevent thermal losses.
• Ensure proper air distribution and defrost cycle optimization in freezers and chiller rooms.
• Manage installation of air curtains, strip doors, and pressure equalization vents for humidity control.
• Work with engineers to optimize evaporator coil placement and air circulation for even cooling.
6. Supervision of Site Technicians & Contractors
• Assign daily tasks and monitor performance of welders, pipefitters, electricians, and HVAC technicians.
• Ensure technicians follow proper safety protocols for ammonia and high-voltage systems.
• Conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings before installation and maintenance tasks.
• Verify that all work aligns with engineering drawings, P&IDs, and project specifications.
• Report project progress, site issues, and material shortages to the project manager.
7. Testing, Commissioning & Handover
• Oversee the start-up and initial operation of refrigeration systems.
• Conduct functional tests on compressors, evaporators, expansion valves, and defrost cycles.
• Perform air balancing and system fine-tuning to ensure proper temperature control.
• Hand over fully tested and documented refrigeration systems to end-users.
• Provide training to client maintenance teams on system operation and troubleshooting.

4. Communication Channels

Internal:

• Project Teams
• Procurement Teams
• Store Teams
• Sales Teams

External:

• Client / Consultant
• Vendors
• Subcontractors
• Regulatory Authorities & Environmental Safety Inspectors

5. Qualifications

Essential

Preferable

Education: Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Refrigeration Engineering, HVAC Technology, or Mechanical Engineering.
Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience in industrial refrigeration installation, maintenance, and commissioning.
Certificates / License: IIAR (International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration) Certification (Preferred for ammonia-based refrigeration projects)

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on refrigeration.
Experience: 10+ years in site supervision for cold storage, ammonia plants, and supermarket refrigeration systems.
Certificates / License:
• SCADA & PLC Programming Certification (for automation integration)

6. Job Competencies

Technical Competencies

Core Competencies

• Industrial Refrigeration System Installation – Supervision of ammonia (NH₃) and Freon (R134a, R404a, R507) systems, including compressor racks, evaporators, condensers, and expansion valves.
• Refrigeration Piping & Welding Supervision – Ensuring proper piping layout, welding, and brazing for suction, discharge, liquid, and hot gas defrost lines; overseeing pipe insulation techniques to minimize heat gain.
• System Pressure Testing & Leak Detection – Conducting nitrogen pressure tests, vacuum dehydration, and electronic leak detection to ensure refrigerant circuit integrity.
• Cold Storage & Freezer Setup – Supervising cold room panel installation, vapor barrier sealing, and temperature control optimization to prevent heat ingress and humidity-related issues.
• Defrost System Management – Ensuring proper hot gas, electric, and water-assisted defrosting for efficient freezer and chiller room operation.
• Compressor & Condenser Alignment & Vibration Analysis – Performing compressor alignment checks, vibration analysis, and oil management to prevent excessive wear and tear.
• HVAC & Air Distribution in Cold Storage – Overseeing air curtain installation, evaporator fan placement, and air balancing to maintain uniform temperature distribution in refrigerated spaces.
• Refrigeration Control Systems & Automation – Supervising installation of PLC-based refrigeration controllers (Danfoss, CAREL, Schneider, Siemens) and SCADA system integration for remote monitoring.
• Electrical Power Distribution & Panel Installation – Ensuring correct wiring, circuit breaker selection, MCC installation, and emergency power backup (generators, UPS) for refrigeration plants.
• Ammonia & Freon Safety Compliance – Implementing IIAR, ASHRAE 15, and Saudi Civil Defense regulations for ammonia and Freon-based refrigeration system safety.
• Fire Protection & Emergency Ventilation – Supervising installation of fire suppression systems (CO₂, FM-200, water mist, sprinklers) and emergency ammonia ventilation systems.

• Technical Leadership & Supervision – Managing technicians and ensuring project alignment with design specifications.
• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting – Quickly identifying and resolving refrigeration system faults.
• Communication & Reporting – Providing accurate updates to project managers and clients.
• Team Development & Safety Management – Training workers in best practices and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Time Management & Productivity – Ensuring efficient task execution and minimizing project delays.

7. Knowledge / Computer Skills / Language

Knowledge:

• Refrigeration & HVAC System Fundamentals.
• Refrigeration cycle components, compressor types, and heat exchanger operation.
• High- and low-side pressure management in refrigeration systems.
• Defrost cycle operation and efficiency improvements in industrial freezers.

Computer Skills:
• Electrical & Power System Software
• ERP Systems
• Microsoft Office
Language:
• English – Proficient
• Arabic

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid driving license and be willing to travel.
• Familiarity with local authority approval processes for industrial refrigeration.