Project Manager (Industrial Refrigeration)

Daikin Middle East & Africa is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Limited, a Japanese outstanding company and worldwide the biggest developer, producer and supplier of HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) solutions, including heating pumps and cooling technology. DAME is Daikin’s Middle East and Africa regional HQ. The regional has headquarter in Dubai and other offices in Abu Dhabi, Cairo (Egypt), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Qatar as well as 2 production plants, and 2 sales subsidiaries and offices and a whole network of independent distributors and dealers across the MEA region.

About the Role

The Project Manager (Industrial Refrigeration) will be based in Jeddah to lead and manage industrial refrigeration projects across Saudi Arabia, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with technical specifications and contractual requirements. This role requires strategic oversight of project execution, effective client and consultant engagement, and hands-on leadership of site teams and subcontractors.

How You Will Make an Impact

Client & Consultant Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact on-site for clients and consultants.
• Secure timely approvals for materials, equipment, and inspections.
• Manage site correspondence, queries, and instructions professionally to maintain strong client relationships.

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed site execution plans, look-ahead schedules, and resource deployment strategies.
• Track project progress against baseline schedules and implement corrective measures for any deviations.
• Ensure works are executed per approved drawings, specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.

Team & Subcontractor Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and supervise site engineers, supervisors, and subcontractor teams.
• Allocate responsibilities, monitor performance, and ensure accountability across all teams.
• Monitor subcontractor scope and quality to prevent unauthorized variations or delays.

Technical & Problem-Solving Oversight

• Apply expertise in industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia/glycol) for installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Identify and resolve technical and coordination issues proactively, providing practical solutions to maintain project momentum.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Review contract documents and ensure site activities align with contractual scope to avoid cost overruns.
• Identify, document, and raise variation orders (VOs) to clients when justified.
• Monitor and control on-site costs through efficient planning and resource management.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Source, evaluate, and engage reliable local suppliers for materials and equipment in collaboration with SCM team.
• Ensure procurement aligns with quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate with logistics and procurement teams for timely material availability.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all works comply with project specifications, client approvals, and company QHSE policies.
• Conduct site inspections and ensure successful clearance of ITPs, MIRs, and WIRs.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with client site safety protocols.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit regular progress reports (daily, weekly, monthly) to management.
• Maintain accurate records of approvals, correspondence, documentation, and project metrics.
• Highlight project risks, delays, and corrective actions proactively.

What You Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of project management experience, including at least 5 years in industrial refrigeration projects (ammonia/glycol systems preferred).
• Proven ability to manage large site teams, subcontractors, and client/consultant relations.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, installation, commissioning, and testing.
• Familiarity with project documentation (P&IDs, ITPs, WIRs, MIRs, method statements, etc.).
• Proficient in planning and scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera preferred).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Results-oriented, proactive problem-solver capable of working under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and drive projects to successful completion.

Good climate starts with people 
Our employees are the beating heart of our company. At Daikin, you get to work in a positive environment backed by trust, creativity and continuous improvement. Together, we create our top-quality solutions by empowering talented teams. You will get plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. We are deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. Good climate starts with people.