Refrigeration/ Ammonia Manager

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies!   We bring families and communities together through great food.  Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table! 

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Refrigeration/Amonnia Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of critical building systems at our food manufacturing facilities in the Houston, TX area—including locations in Pasadena and Deer Park. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient performance of all refrigeration and HVAC, including ammonia compressor operations. If you have strong technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence in a manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and compliance of all plant refrigeration (ammonia) and HVAC systems.
• Lead, develop, and manage a team of skilled Technicians, ensuring staffing, training, safety, and performance align with production goals.
• Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, and all local, state, and federal safety/environmental regulations, while promoting a safe and efficient work environment.
• Direct maintenance activities that support production efficiency, including equipment installation, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics such as safety, production uptime, maintenance cost, and asset management, ensuring goals are met at the lowest cost.
• Drive process improvement and cost-effective solutions through Lean Manufacturing practices (TPM, TPS) and active participation in capital planning and project execution. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with 8+ years of related experience with industrial ammonia maintenance management.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and collaborating with corporate partners. Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.
• Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration and PSM.
• Experience in food manufacturing and familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations preferred.
• SAP experience is beneficial. 

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range. Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.

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