Refrigeration Supervisor (South)

Our Company:

Tanimura & Antle is an employee-owned family farming business with a four-generation legacy and a passionate commitment to growing premium quality produce. As one of the largest independent vegetable growers in the United States, Tanimura & Antle farms more than 36,000 acres of rich, fertile farmland and ships a full line of premium fresh conventional, organic and greenhouse grown produce products throughout the nation.

We are looking for employees that fit into the Tanimura & Antle culture and want to have an impact on our growth and success. We believe in, and are committed to, creating a sustainable future through innovation throughout our operations.

Our Mission: To "Consistently provide our customers fresh and healthy premium produce with superior customer service that meets and exceeds their quality and value expectations"

Our Vision: To "Operate as a highly innovative company, sustainably growing, while enhancing the lives of all through employee ownership and customer inspired partnerships"

The Role: The Refrigeration Supervisor (South) is a key leadership role, reporting to the Senior Refrigeration Manager. This position is responsible for managing cooler maintenance operations, crew scheduling, and preventive maintenance planning in collaboration with the Maintenance Planner. The Refrigeration Supervisor plays a crucial role in overseeing the Risk Management Plan (RMP) / Process Safety Management (PSM) program while ensuring efficient operation of refrigeration systems.

This hands-on position requires technical expertise in refrigeration, leadership skills to manage a team, and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize cooling systems. The role is based in Yuma, AZ, with occasional travel to California facilities.

You will play a key role in managing the refrigeration team implementing maintenance programs, and optimizing energy usage.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Lead and manage refrigeration maintenance staff, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Execute and oversee corrective and preventive maintenance programs to optimize refrigeration system performance.
• Perform refrigeration work and direct on-site maintenance activities.
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot potential issues with equipment, labor, or installation sites.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Planner to secure necessary materials and supplies.
• Work on refrigeration equipment setup and tear-down, including condensers, compressors, evaporators, and portable vacuum tube systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout procedures and RMP/PSM requirements.
• Support cost-efficiency initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain documentation of maintenance activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Collaborate with contractors as needed for installations and major repairs.
• Monitor and optimize energy usage for refrigeration systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field OR 3-6 years of management experience in produce, refrigeration, industrial maintenance, or related fields.
• Experience with industrial refrigeration, PSM, preventive maintenance (PM), air systems, and boilers.
• Strong background in production operations management with an emphasis on safety, quality, yield, and cost control.
• Hands-on experience with industrial maintenance, including preventive and corrective/breakdown maintenance.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• RETA certification (CIRO level) preferred or the ability to obtain certification.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in troubleshooting industrial refrigeration equipment and mechanical systems.
• Experience with AC/DC drives, servo drives, PLCs, HMIs, and closed-loop control systems.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, vacuum pumps, lubrication systems, and valve systems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical diagrams, manuals, and engineering specifications.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend, stoop, walk, and stand for prolonged periods.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and high-altitude areas such as catwalks and roofs.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and travel occasionally as dictated by cooling equipment needs.

Ideal Attributes:

• Strong leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and collaborate across departments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred but not required.