Manager Engineering / Refrigeration - HVAC/F-Gas
This role is responsible for managing container inspection, maintenance, and repair activities to support the operational reliability and performance of the company's container fleet.
The Engineering Manager will oversee depot operations, repair vendors, and maintenance programs for dry containers, refrigerated containers, and specialised equipment, while ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.
Suitable qualifications and 5+ years of experience in container maintenance, equipment engineering, depot operations, logistics, shipping, or related operational roles.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Manage container inspection programs to identify structural damage, corrosion, leaks, safety concerns, and overall equipment condition, including conducting regular depot visits.
- Coordinate maintenance and repair activities for dry containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), and specialized equipment to ensure operational reliability and compliance with company standards.
- Supervise and work closely with repair depots, technicians, surveyors, and third-party service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective repairs.
- Review, approve, and evaluate repair estimates while determining whether containers should be repaired, sold, or scrapped based on operational and financial considerations.
- Monitor repair expenses, maintenance budgets, and equipment performance to support cost control initiatives and maximize fleet utilisation.
- Track container condition, availability, repair history, and maintenance activities through internal systems and electronic databases.
- Investigate equipment damage claims, operational failures, and service issues, providing recommendations and corrective actions as needed.
- Support fleet reliability initiatives by minimising equipment downtime and ensuring containers are maintained in accordance with industry and company standards.
- Accurately input and maintain container inspection, repair, and maintenance details within the Company's electronic systems and databases.
- Collaborate with operations, logistics, sales, and depot teams to support overall fleet performance and customer service objectives.
- Take on additional responsibilities and projects as needed to support business objectives.
What We're Looking For:
- Suitable qualifications and 5+ years of experience in container maintenance, equipment engineering, depot operations, logistics, shipping, or related operational roles.
- Relevant refrigeration/HVAC or electrical engineering experience, ideally with refrigerated containers/reefers.
- Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and repair
- Understanding of three-phase electrical systemsand safe working practices; equipment includes 440V three-phase installations.
- Relevant refrigeration/electrical qualifications would likely be expected or strongly preferred, such as F-Gas
- Experience managing engineers/contractors, allocating service calls, and controlling repair turnaround.
- Ability to manage planned/preventive maintenance, breakdowns, and equipment availability.
- Ability to evaluate repair estimates, investigate damage claims, and make recommendations regarding repair, sale, or scrapping of equipment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required, particularly Excel, Outlook, and reporting tools; experience working with maintenance or equipment tracking systems preferred.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across global teams and external partners.
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with depots, surveyors, vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly for depot visits, inspections, and operational meetings.
- UK driving license is necessary for a field-based operational role.
- Must be able to work on-site five days per week.
For more information regarding this PERM position with HRGO please contact michelle.ings@hrgo.co.uk HRGO East London & Essex office 01708 220023
