Senior Refrigeration Technician

Yalelo Ltd is seeking a highly skilled and hands on Senior Refrigeration Technician to join our Commercial Services team based in Lusaka. This is a strategic, project driven role responsible not only for maintenance but also for driving in-house installation capability, reducing reliance on external contractors, and delivering key cold chain infrastructure projects.

This role will play a critical part in supporting the company’s expansion through installation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced refrigeration systems including cold rooms, chiller rooms, blast freezers, and flake ice machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Refrigeration Systems Maintenance & Optimization
• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance across refrigeration systems including cold rooms, display chillers, blast freezers, and ice machines.
• Diagnose complex faults across compressors, evaporators, condensers, expansion valves, and control systems.
• Drive uptime improvement initiatives and minimize product loss through rapid response and root cause elimination.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance system efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Installation, Projects & Commissioning (CORE FOCUS)
• Lead end to end installation and commissioning of:
• Cold rooms
• Chiller rooms
• Flake ice machines
• Blast freezers
• Execute projects in-house where feasible, delivering cost savings on contractor reliance.
• Interpret layouts, drawings, and refrigeration schematics to execute installations to OEM standards.
• Support expansion projects across Distribution Centers and retail outlets.
• Electrical Systems & Controls (Critical Competency)
• Diagnose and repair electrical faults in refrigeration systems, including:
• Motors, relays, contactors, circuit breakers
• Sensors and control panels
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Perform PLC troubleshooting and control optimization for refrigeration processes.
• Conduct electrical testing (insulation resistance, load checks, phase balancing) ensuring compliance with standards.
• Cost Optimization & In-house Capability Development
• Identify opportunities for standardization of equipment and spares.
• Support procurement with technical specifications and vendor evaluations.
• Mentor junior technicians to build a strong internal refrigeration team.
• Documentation, RCA & CMMS Utilization
• Maintain accurate service logs, installation reports, and project documentation.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize CMMS systems for tracking maintenance, performance, and planning.
• Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all work complies with EIZ, ZEMA, and internal safety standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and enforce safe work practices on all installations and maintenance activities.
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement programs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Operations, Compliance, Procurement, and Engineering teams.
• Support rollout of new infrastructure and store upgrades.
• Provide technical guidance during audits and expansion planning.

Qualifications

• Full Grade 12 Certificate
• Diploma or Degree in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Valid EIZ Practicing License (highly desirable)
• All Academic Qualifications must be ZAQA validated

Must have skills

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in commercial/industrial refrigeration
• Proven experience in installation and commissioning cold rooms, blast freezers, and ice machines
• Valid EIZ Practicing License (highly desirable)
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and reduce costs through in-house execution
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills
• Project execution and planning capability
• Cost-conscious and solutions-driven mindset
• Leadership and mentoring ability
• High attention to safety and compliance