About Company
OK Zimbabwe Limited is one of the largest retail giants in Zimbabwe, with a proud history spanning over 100 years. We operate a chain of supermarkets across the country, including the well-known OK Stores, Bon Marche, and OK Value brands. Our commitment to providing quality products and excellent customer service has made us a household name. We believe in investing in our people and providing an environment where talent can thrive. Our operations rely heavily on efficient cold chain management, from our warehouses to our retail display units, ensuring fresh produce and frozen goods are maintained at optimal temperatures for our valued customers. Joining OK Zimbabwe means becoming part of a legacy of excellence and community service, contributing to the daily lives of countless Zimbabweans.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Commercial Refrigeration Technician to join our dynamic team in Murehwa, Mashonaland East Province. This pivotal role involves the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of various commercial refrigeration systems across our retail outlets. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of our cold storage rooms, display freezers, chillers, and other refrigeration equipment, directly contributing to product quality and operational excellence. You will work independently and as part of a broader maintenance team, responding to service calls, performing preventative maintenance, and ensuring all refrigeration systems comply with safety and environmental standards. This is a hands-on role requiring a keen eye for detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of workmanship. If you are passionate about ensuring optimal performance of critical systems and thrive in a fast-paced retail environment, we invite you to contribute your expertise to a company that values its employees and customers alike. This role is crucial for maintaining our high standards of product freshness and operational efficiency, directly impacting our customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair various commercial refrigeration systems, including walk-in freezers, display cases, chillers, ice machines, and air conditioning units.
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical faults in refrigeration systems using appropriate testing equipment such as multimeters, pressure gauges, and leak detectors.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks, including cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and calibrating controls to ensure peak performance.
- Respond promptly to emergency service calls and breakdowns, ensuring minimal disruption to store operations and quickly restoring functionality.
- Replace defective components, motors, compressors, thermostats, expansion valves, and other parts as needed, ensuring correct specifications and installation.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and service manuals to guide precise installations and effective repairs.
- Ensure all work is performed in compliance with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
- Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, repair work, refrigerant usage, and parts used for comprehensive reporting and inventory management.
- Provide technical guidance and support to other team members or store staff on basic refrigeration care and fault identification.
- Manage and maintain tools and equipment, ensuring they are calibrated, safe, and in good working order at all times.
- Liaise effectively with store managers and staff to explain repair issues, preventive measures, and estimated completion times.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) as a Commercial Refrigeration Technician.
- Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, components, and various types of refrigerants.
- Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing electrical and mechanical faults in commercial refrigeration systems.
- Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and mechanical blueprints.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for interacting with colleagues and store personnel.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize work effectively under pressure.
- Valid Class 4 driver's license (essential for travel between sites within the region).
- Thorough knowledge of health and safety regulations pertinent to refrigeration and electrical work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant trade qualification or certification in refrigeration and air conditioning (e.g., Diploma or Certificate).
- Experience with a variety of commercial refrigeration brands and models commonly used in retail environments.
- Familiarity with HFC, HCFC, and natural refrigerants (e.g., CO2, Ammonia) is a significant advantage.
- Prior experience working specifically within a retail or supermarket maintenance environment.
- Additional certifications in electrical work or general HVAC systems.
- Basic computer literacy for record-keeping, accessing technical manuals, and diagnostic tools.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health insurance benefits for you and your immediate family.
- Ample opportunity for professional development, training, and career advancement within a large organization.
- Contribution to a robust Provident Fund/Pension scheme for your future security.
- Attractive employee discounts across all OK Zimbabwe stores.
- Company vehicle provided for work-related travel (terms and conditions apply).
- A stable, supportive, and collaborative work environment within a leading national retail company.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications online. Please visit the careers section of the OK Zimbabwe Limited website at the link provided below. Search for ‘Commercial Refrigeration Technician’ or similar maintenance roles, and follow the specific application instructions outlined there. Ensure your CV/resume is up-to-date, clearly highlights your relevant experience and qualifications, and includes professional references. We encourage early applications as we review submissions on a rolling basis and aim to fill this critical role promptly. Click on the application link below to proceed.