Project Manager - Commercial Refrigeration
Job Description
Job Description
Company Background:
Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
DHR is part of Kelso Industries, with 3,500+ employees across 29 operating companies, delivers top HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a high-performing team. Learn more about us at www.kelso-industries.com
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
Project Manager – Refrigeration
Location: Atlanta, GA (Home Base)
Travel: Up to 50%; Weekly travel across the Southeast U.S. to project sites and customer meetings
Company: DHR Mechanical (a Kelso Industries Company)
Supermarket Refrigeration | DX & CO2 | P&L Ownership | Foreman Development | Project Management
About DHR Mechanical
DHR Mechanical is a trusted name in commercial refrigeration and HVAC solutions with almost 30 years operating across the Southeast United States (FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, AL) while partnering with regional and national clients in supermarkets, cold storage warehousing, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Backed by Kelso Industries, we are building a team of hands-on leaders who can scale operations, develop field talent, and drive consistent execution across projects.
We are adding an additional Project Manager to support growth and strengthen our field crews and leaders.
The Opportunity
This is not a desk-only PM role.
We're looking for a field-proven construction leader who has come up through the trades — someone who understands jobsite realities, can communicate effectively with foremen, and is passionate about training and developing crews, not just managing schedules.
You'll own end-to-end delivery of multiple commercial refrigeration construction projects from turnover through closeout across the Southeast, visiting jobs weekly, ensuring execution, and helping us build a more scalable and disciplined operation.
What You'll Do
- Manage multiple commercial refrigeration projects across the Southeast
- Travel weekly to active jobsites to support crews and ensure execution
- Partner closely with foremen and field leaders to drive performance
- Identify gaps in field execution and implement better processes + training
- Help develop and mentor next-generation foremen and crew leaders
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and coordination with GCs and customers
- Lead kickoff with sales, estimating, and the foreman to align on scope, schedule, budget, and customer expectations
- Bring new ideas and operational improvements to how we run projects
What We're Looking For
Required:
- 5+ years proven experience managing commercial mechanical construction projects
- 3+ years managing supermarket or industrial refrigeration installations
- Strong working knowledge of multiplex DX and CO2 refrigeration systems, including racks, condensing units, display cases, walk-ins, refrigerant piping, electrical, controls, and EMS systems
- Demonstrated success managing multi-site or traveling projects on time, on budget, and on margin
- Strong ability and willingness to lead, train, and influence field teams and foreman
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% to project sites throughout the Southeast, including Puerto Rico
Preferred:
- Background working for a mechanical contractor on national supermarket programs (e.g. Publix, Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Aldi)
- Prior experience as a refrigeration foreman, journeyman, or service technician before transitioning into project management
- EPA 608 Universal, SHA 30, PMP or CCM, forklift and aerial lift certifications
- Hands-on experience delivering trans critical CO2 (R-744) installations and DX-to-CO2 conversions.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary + bonus
- Vehicle allowance / travel support + Company phone + Company laptop
- Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
- 401(k) with company match
- Opportunity to grow with a fast-scaling platform backed by Kelso Industries
Who This Role Is For
✔ A former field leader or foreman who moved into project management
✔ Someone who enjoys being in the field, coaching teams, and fixing problems
✔ A builder who wants to leave systems and teams better than they found them
Why Join Us?
We're committed to attracting talented individuals who seek a company with a strong foundation of success and an outstanding culture. We proactively provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and clear pathways for career advancement with autonomy and flexibility in an entrepreneurial environment.
Learn more about us at www.kelso-industries.com