An established and highly respected industrial refrigeration business is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its operations and play a key role in a planned leadership succession.
The business specialises in large-scale industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, delivering complex projects across industrial and commercial environments. With a strong pipeline of work and a Managing Director planning a gradual transition toward retirement over the next five years, this role offers a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership position with long-term progression and ownership potential.
Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will progressively assume day-to-day operational leadership, allowing the current Director to step back to approximately three days per week while remaining available for strategic support and handover.
For the right individual, there is a structured and optional pathway to equity, aligned to performance, leadership capability, and long-term commitment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead and oversee all operational aspects of large-scale industrial ammonia refrigeration projects
* Manage projects from design coordination through installation, commissioning, and handover
* Ensure delivery is safe, compliant, on time, on budget, and to specification
Client & Stakeholder Management
* Act as a senior point of contact for key clients and stakeholders
* Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, consultants, and suppliers
* Work closely with design engineers to ensure constructability, compliance, and commercial outcomes
Trade & Technical Coordination
* Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including:
* Electrical, plumbing, welding, and refrigeration service trades
* Engineers and project management personnel
* Service and maintenance teams
* Ensure effective scheduling, site coordination, and quality control
* Maintain a strong focus on safety and best practice when working with ammonia systems
People Leadership & Accountability
* Lead, mentor, and manage staff across project and service teams
* Set clear expectations and hold team members accountable for performance and safety
* Foster a professional, high-performance, and collaborative culture
Business & Commercial Management
* Contribute to business planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives
* Support strategic decision-making and operational reporting
* Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and project outcomes
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* Proven experience in the industrial refrigeration industry
* Hands-on experience working with ammonia refrigeration systems
* A strong track record delivering large-scale industrial projects
* Experience working closely with:
* Design engineers
* Electrical, plumbing, welding, and refrigeration trades
* Demonstrated leadership capability, including managing teams and holding staff accountable
* Strong client-facing skills with the ability to build trust and credibility
* A current Australian driver's licence
* Ability to work from the Yatala office and regularly attend project sites
* Residence within approximately one hour of Yatala (Southern Brisbane or Northern Gold Coast)
Highly Regarded (but not essential)
* Restricted Electrical Licence
* Refrigeration Licence
* Previous experience in succession planning or ownership pathways
* Strong commercial and business acumen beyond technical delivery
Why This Role?
* Genuine succession opportunity with a clear transition plan
* Optional equity / buy-in pathway for the right candidate
* Established, profitable business with a strong industry reputation
* Supportive handover from a highly experienced Managing Director
* Opportunity to work on complex, technically challenging ammonia projects
* Senior leadership role with autonomy, influence, and long-term security
Coverage Area: Brisbane & Gold Coast
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Managing Director
Succession Opportunity: Yes - genuine pathway to equity / buy-in
Incentives: Performance-based bonus structure